Rice Or Barley Pilaf
A hearty barley or rice pilaf infused with savory chicken bouillon, sautéed mushrooms, and onions, perfect for comforting dinners or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set a kettle of water to boil.
- Chop the onion and slice the mushrooms, then sauté in oil until tender.
- Add the barley or rice and sauté until lightly browned.
- Carefully add boiling water and the bouillon cubes to the sautéed ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45 minutes for barley or brown rice, or 20 minutes for white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme or rosemary while sautéing the onions and mushrooms. You can substitute the barley with quinoa for a gluten-free option, or use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon for a vegetarian version. If you have leftovers, add some peas or diced carrots to make it a heartier dish.
Serving Suggestions
This pilaf pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as Chicken Shish Kabob or Chicken Florentine In Phyllo. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a complete dinner, consider a side of steamed greens or a light yogurt sauce to drizzle over the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to help steam the grains and prevent drying out. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Or Barley Pilaf contains roughly 855 calories, with 13g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 9g 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 brown rice instead of barley?
Yes, you can use brown rice instead of barley. However, cooking times will differ; brown rice typically takes about 20-30 minutes to cook. Make sure to adjust the boiling water accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
Can I add other vegetables to the pilaf?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots during the sautéing step. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds color and nutrition to your dish. Just be mindful of the cooking times to ensure everything is tender.
Is this pilaf suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this pilaf is great for meal prep! It reheats well and can be portioned out for lunches throughout the week. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing it in the refrigerator. You can pair it with different proteins each day for variety.
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).