Barley With Monterey Jack One Dish Dinner
Barley with Monterey Jack is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender pearl barley with vibrant vegetables, olives, and melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or entertaining guests, it offers a balanced mix of savory, tangy, and cheesy flavors that satisfy and delight the palate.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pearled barley ⓘ
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (35 oz.) can Italian chopped plum tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups half and half ⓘ
- 1 cup minced scallions ⓘ
- 1 cup pitted black olives ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz.) cans sliced mild green chili peppers, drained and chopped
- 8 oz. sautéed mushrooms ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook barley in 3 tablespoons butter, stirring for 2 minutes.
- Add 4 cups water and salt, bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, for 45 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Let cool.
- Mix tomatoes, half and half, scallions, olives, mushrooms, chili peppers, 3/4 of the cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Combine well and transfer to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more half and half or substituting with a plant-based alternative. You can also add cooked chicken or turkey for added protein. If you can't find Monterey Jack cheese, a mild cheddar works well. To enhance flavors, try incorporating fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This dish can easily be customized with seasonal vegetables from Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty and can be enjoyed on its own, but pairs beautifully with a light side salad, such as Greek Summer Vegetable Salad, or with fresh pita bread. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for extra flavor. A light white wine would complement the dish nicely, enhancing the flavors of the Monterey Jack cheese.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barley With Monterey Jack One Dish Dinner contains roughly 443 calories, with 25g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1367mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as instructed for best results.
What can I use instead of black olives?
If you prefer not to use black olives, green olives or capers can be a great substitute. Both will provide a different but delicious flavor profile. Additionally, you could omit them altogether or replace them with sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat ingredients. You can also make it vegan by using plant-based butter and cheese alternatives. It's a delicious way to enjoy a hearty meal that aligns with vegetarian recipes.
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).