Gingered Ham And Barley
Gingered Ham and Barley features tender ham rolls filled with flavorful barley, orange zest, and pecans, topped with marmalade and ginger, making a hearty, citrus-infused dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine chicken broth, orange juice, and pearl barley.
- Grate the orange to make 1 teaspoon of zest.
- Add the orange zest and salt to the barley mixture.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and barley is tender.
- Peel the orange, discard the peel, and chop the orange.
- Saute the orange segments and green onions in butter until tender.
- Add the sauteed orange and onions to the barley mixture.
- Spoon 1/4 cup of the barley filling onto each ham slice.
- Roll up the ham slices and place seam side down in a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Spoon the remaining barley mixture around the ham rolls.
- Mix marmalade and ground ginger together.
- Spoon the marmalade mixture over the ham rolls.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can cut down on the orange juice or marmalade. To add a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be included. Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds if pecans aren't available.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad like Jo'S Spring Salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious barley and broth. A glass of chilled white wine complements the citrus notes well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out, then heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gingered Ham And Barley contains roughly 756 calories, with 24g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and protein (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1931mg per serving (84% 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 use a different grain instead of pearl barley?
Yes, you can substitute pearl barley with quinoa or farro for a different texture and flavor. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. Quinoa will cook faster, while farro may take longer than barley.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the deli ham with grilled vegetables or tofu slices. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you can maintain the flavor profile by using the same spices and sweeteners.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the barley mixture and assemble the ham rolls a day ahead. Store the assembled dish covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
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).