Quick Barley Pilaf

Elevate your weeknight meals with this Quick Barley Pilaf, a wholesome and flavorful side dish that comes together in just 40 minutes. Featuring nutty pearl barley simmered to tender perfection in savory broth, this recipe is enhanced with sautéed onions, carrots, celery, and aromatic garlic for a hearty, comforting base. A touch of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness, while a hint of black pepper and a bay leaf deepen the flavor. Perfect as a versatile accompaniment to your favorite proteins or as a light vegetarian meal, this easy barley pilaf delivers nutritious simplicity with a gourmet twist. Packed with fiber, and brimming with earthy, satisfying flavor, it’s a quick and healthy choice for busy cooks.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pearl barley under cold water and drain.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the rinsed barley to the pan and toss to coat it in the oil and vegetables.

Step 6

Pour in the broth, add the bay leaf, and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 8

Once the barley is cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Discard the bay leaf.

Step 9

Fluff the pilaf with a fork, stir in the chopped fresh parsley (if using), and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish or a light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1101.2 grams (1101.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1092

Total Fat 32.10g	41%
Saturated Fat 5.20g	26%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3475mg	151%
Total Carbohydrate 179.20g	65%
Dietary Fiber 36.70g	131%
Total Sugars 11.70g
Protein 26.50g	53%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 184mg	14%
Iron 7mg	36%
Potassium 1302mg	28%

*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: 26.0%

Protein: 9.5%

Carbs: 64.5%