Apple Barley Pilaf Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 50 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
Description:
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet Fuji apples, hearty barley, and savory herbs with this wholesome Apple Barley Pilaf recipe. Perfect for a nourishing weeknight meal, this stove-top dish is low in protein and cholesterol, making it a healthy option for the whole family to enjoy. Bursting with flavor and nutrients, it’s an excellent addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons margarine
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 Fuji apples, diced
- 1/2 cup barley
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
Instructions:
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Melt Margarine: In a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid, melt the margarine over medium heat, ensuring it coats the bottom evenly.
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Cook Onion and Barley: Add the diced onion and barley to the skillet. Stir the mixture frequently until the onions become translucent and the barley turns golden, emitting a fragrant aroma.
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Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, add the dried thyme, and toss in the golden raisins. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Simmer: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with the lid, and allow the pilaf to simmer. Let it cook undisturbed for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
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Incorporate Apples and Parsley: After the barley has cooked thoroughly, fold in the diced Fuji apples and chopped parsley. Stir gently to incorporate the apples evenly throughout the pilaf mixture.
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Final Cook: Continue to cook the pilaf uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the apples to soften slightly and infuse their sweetness into the dish.
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Serve: Once the pilaf is ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon the warm and aromatic Apple Barley Pilaf onto serving plates or into bowls, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 229.3
- Total Fat: 6.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 90.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 40.7g
- Fiber: 7.1g
- Sugar: 17.1g
- Protein: 4.9g
Tips:
- For added flavor, consider using a combination of margarine and olive oil for cooking the barley mixture.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by incorporating your favorite herbs or spices, such as rosemary or garlic, to enhance the taste profile.
- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Serve the Apple Barley Pilaf as a standalone meal or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial dinner option.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving for a quick and convenient meal option.
With its balanced blend of sweet and savory flavors, this Apple Barley Pilaf is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of this delicious dish and share the love with family and friends!
