Good and Easy Barley Pilaf

Elevate your side dish game with this Good and Easy Barley Pilaf, a hearty and wholesome recipe that's both simple to make and packed with flavor. Featuring nutty, tender pearled barley simmered in savory vegetable or chicken broth, this dish is enhanced by the aromatic combination of sautéed onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. A touch of butter or olive oil adds richness, while a bay leaf and fresh parsley provide a subtle, herbaceous finish. Ready in just 45 minutes, this versatile pilaf is perfect as a nutritious side for roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a stand-alone vegetarian meal. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this one-pot wonder is destined to become a weeknight staple.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearled barley
• 2.5 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 stalk celery stalk, diced
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pearled barley under cold water using a fine mesh sieve and set aside to drain.

Step 2

In a large skillet or medium saucepan, melt the butter (or heat the olive oil) over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery, sautéing for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 5

Add the rinsed barley to the skillet and stir for 2 minutes to lightly toast and coat it in the butter.

Step 6

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 8

Allow the barley to simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the barley is tender but chewy.

Step 9

Remove the saucepan from heat, discard the bay leaf, and fluff the pilaf with a fork.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1206.2 grams (1206.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1052

Total Fat 26.70g	34%
Saturated Fat 15.50g	78%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 63mg	21%
Sodium 3760mg	163%
Total Carbohydrate 184.80g	67%
Dietary Fiber 39.70g	142%
Total Sugars 14.90g
Protein 25.10g	50%

Vitamin D 18IU	92%
Calcium 244mg	19%
Iron 7mg	41%
Potassium 1889mg	40%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.3%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 68.5%