Barley Pilaff
A hearty barley pilaff with earthy mushrooms and sweet onions, baked to perfection. Ideal for wholesome dinners and suitable for vegetarians seeking rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute mushrooms and chopped onions in half of the butter until tender.
- Place the sautéed mushrooms and onions in a casserole dish.
- Cook the remaining butter over low heat and stir in the pearl barley until almond colored.
- Add the toasted barley to the casserole with the mushrooms and onions.
- Pour chicken broth over all the ingredients in the casserole.
- Cover the casserole and bake at 350°F for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, removing the cover during the last half of cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme while sautéing the mushrooms and onions. If you don't have pearl barley, you can substitute it with quinoa or farro, though cooking times may vary. To enhance the dish, a splash of white wine can be added along with the broth. This dish is a great side for chicken recipes like Sweet 'N Sour Barbecue Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barley pilaff as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It pairs beautifully with chicken recipes such as Marinated Pepper And Herb Chicken. For a complete meal, consider adding a green salad or steamed greens to balance the rich flavors of the pilaff.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out, and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barley Pilaff contains roughly 1942 calories, with 28g protein, 205g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (140% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (74% of the Daily Value), and protein (56% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 39g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, using vegetable broth is a great way to make this dish vegetarian-friendly. It will still provide a depth of flavor to the pilaff along with the sautéed mushrooms and onions.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sautéed mushrooms and onions a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Combine them with the toasted barley and broth on the day of baking; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What other vegetables can I add to this pilaff?
Feel free to incorporate diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the mushrooms and onions for a well-rounded dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).