Mushroom Barley Pilaf

Elevate your mealtime with this hearty and wholesome Mushroom Barley Pilaf, a perfect blend of nutty pearl barley, earthy cremini mushrooms, and aromatic fresh herbs. Simmered in rich vegetable broth and infused with garlic and thyme, this comforting dish boasts a delightful depth of flavor and irresistible texture. Nutritious and versatile, it shines equally as a cozy vegetarian main course or a flavorful side dish to complement your favorite protein. Ready in just an hour, this one-pot recipe is both simple and satisfying, with minimal cleanup required. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious—ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Try this crowd-pleasing pilaf today and savor the perfect balance of hearty grains and savory mushrooms!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Pearl barley
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Butter
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces Cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cups Low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pearl barley under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and begin to brown.

Step 6

Add the rinsed and drained barley to the pan, stirring to coat it in the oil and mushroom mixture.

Step 7

Pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the barley is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 9

Remove the pan from heat and let the pilaf sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Fluff the barley with a fork and stir in the freshly chopped parsley just before serving.

Step 11

Serve warm as a side dish or a satisfying vegetarian entrée.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1316.5 grams (1316.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1215

Total Fat 42.70g	55%
Saturated Fat 11.20g	56%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.00g
Cholesterol 33mg	11%
Sodium 1721mg	75%
Total Carbohydrate 185.10g	67%
Dietary Fiber 36.00g	129%
Total Sugars 14.00g
Protein 29.00g	58%

Vitamin D 25IU	124%
Calcium 155mg	12%
Iron 8mg	42%
Potassium 2150mg	46%

*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: 31.0%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 59.7%