Mushroom Barley Pilaf

User Reviews

5

12 reviews
Excellent

Mushroom Barley Pilaf

The Mushroom Barley Pilaf combines cremini and shiitake mushrooms with pearl barley cooked in vegetable broth, seasoned with fresh thyme and brightened with lemon zest. The dry sautéed mushrooms release rich juices that infuse the barley, giving the dish a hearty, earthy flavor and tender texture. This pilaf can serve as a comforting side or a vegetarian main, showcasing the nutty chew of barley alongside aromatic herbs and garlic.

Description

The Mushroom Barley Pilaf recipe features a combination of cremini and shiitake mushrooms, which are first dry sautéed to release their natural juices and deepen their flavor. Pearl barley is then cooked with diced yellow onion, garlic, and thyme in vegetable broth, which absorbs into the grains and mushrooms for a full-bodied texture and taste. Lemon zest added at the end adds a subtle brightness that balances the earthiness of the mushrooms. The barley emerges tender but with a slight chew, creating a satisfying pilaf.

This pilaf can be served alongside roasted or grilled vegetables, meats, or as a stand-alone vegetarian entree. It is a filling dish that brings together the umami notes of mushrooms with the hearty grain and fresh herbs. The lemon zest and parsley at the finish keep the flavors lively.

The recipe includes a step to let the barley rest off heat after cooking, which improves its texture by allowing the moisture to distribute evenly. The use of fresh thyme and garlic enhances the aromatic depth, while the use of vegetable broth adds savory complexity without overpowering the mushrooms.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 12 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced
  • 4 ounces shiitake mushrooms stemmed and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow onion diced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups pearl barley
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 ½ cups vegetable broth
  • 1 ½ tablespoons thyme roughly chopped, fresh
  • lemon zest from 1
  • ¼ cup parsley chopped
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Dry sauté the mushrooms by adding them to a large sauté pan and cooking them over medium-high heat. Cook the mushrooms for about 4 to 5 minutes, until they start releasing their liquids, stirring frequently. Transfer the mushrooms and juices to a bowl. Wipe down the pan.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion and salt, and cook for about 2 minutes, until the onion begins to soften. Add the barley and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir everything for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add the mushrooms and their juices into the pan, then stir in the vegetable broth and thyme. Raise heat and bring the broth to boil. Reduce the heat a little so that the broth is simmering. Cover the pot, and let the barley cook for 25 to 30 minutes, until the broth has been fully absorbed and the barley is tender. Remove from heat and let the barley sit for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the lemon zest and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 388kcal (19%) Carbohydrates 72g (24%) Protein 11g (22%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 5g (25%) Sodium 1132mg (47%) Potassium 782mg (17%) Fiber 14g (56%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 896IU (18%) Vitamin C 13mg (14%) Calcium 67mg (7%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 388 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 388kcal 19%
Carbohydrates 72g 24%
Protein 11g 22%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Sodium 1132mg 47%
Potassium 782mg 17%
Fiber 14g 56%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 896IU 18%
Vitamin C 13mg 14%
Calcium 67mg 7%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5

12 reviews
Excellent

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