Two Grain Lemon Pilaf
A light, flavorful lemon pilaf combining two grains—barley and brown rice—perfect as a side dish or vegetarian main, with fresh parsley and lemon zest for brightness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil.
- Stir in sliced celery, chopped onion, uncooked barley, and uncooked brown rice.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 to 50 minutes until grains are tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Add dried parsley flakes, margarine or butter, and lemon peel; toss with a fork to blend.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth. If you're short on time, quick-cooking brown rice can reduce cooking time by about 10 minutes. Fresh parsley can be used instead of dried, but add it just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and flavor. Consider adding a handful of nuts or seeds for extra texture, similar to what you might find in Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Two Grain Lemon Pilaf makes a delightful side dish for grilled chicken or fish, pairing beautifully with Chicken Scarpariello. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It can also be a base for a grain bowl topped with roasted vegetables or a protein of your choice, enhancing its versatility.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, adding a bit of moisture to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Two Grain Lemon Pilaf contains roughly 479 calories, with 12g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 10g 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 make this pilaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pilaf a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even more delicious. Be sure to add a little broth when reheating to keep it moist.
What can I substitute for barley?
If you don’t have barley on hand, you can replace it with quinoa or farro, adjusting the cooking time as necessary. Quinoa will cook faster, so check for doneness around the 20-minute mark. Both alternatives will provide a delightful texture to the pilaf.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, this recipe can easily be made vegetarian. It’s a hearty and nutritious option that works well as a main dish or a side, especially alongside dishes like Cold Tomato-Dill Soup.
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).