Delicious Barley Casserole Recipe
Looking to switch up your side dishes? This Delicious Barley Casserole is an excellent alternative to rice, offering a hearty and flavorful twist with the comforting texture of barley. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a hearty family meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Using pearly barley, which cooks more evenly and quickly compared to regular barley, ensures a delightful texture and taste. With its savory blend of mushrooms, onions, and rich broths, this casserole is both satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for those who love to explore healthy, grain-based dishes, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter ๐ง
- 2 onions, finely chopped ๐ง
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced ๐ง
- 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced ๐
- 1 1/2 cups pearly barley ๐พ
- 3 cups chicken broth ๐
- 1/2 cup beef broth ๐ฅฉ
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste ๐ถ๏ธ
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to a warm 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This will ensure that your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly tender.
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Sautรฉ the Onions: In a large frypan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onions and sautรฉ until they become light golden brown, which should take about 8 minutes. The goal is to develop a sweet, caramelized flavor that will enrich your casserole.
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Add Mushrooms and Garlic: Toss the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic into the pan with the onions. Continue to sautรฉ for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to soften and release their juices, blending beautifully with the garlic and onions.
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Incorporate the Barley: Stir in the pearly barley and cook for about 7-8 minutes until it begins to turn lightly browned. This step adds a delicious, nutty flavor to the barley and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
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Add Broth and Pepper: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and season with fresh ground black pepper. Note that you donโt need to add extra salt because the broth already contains enough seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer.
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Transfer to Casserole Dish: Carefully transfer the contents of the pan into a large greased casserole dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly so that it cooks uniformly.
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Initial Baking: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. This will give the barley time to absorb the flavors and cook through.
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Add Remaining Broth: After 45 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the remaining 1 cup of broth. This additional liquid helps to keep the barley moist and ensures a creamy texture.
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Continue Baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it and add more liquid if necessary to prevent the mixture from becoming too dry.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the barley is tender and the casserole is bubbling, you can garnish with chopped parsley if desired. For a cheesy twist, consider mixing in some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese while the casserole is still warm.
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Alternative Cooking Method: If you prefer not to use the oven, you can also prepare this dish on the stovetop. Simply continue cooking in a large sautรฉ pan until the barley is tender and the flavors are well combined.
Notes
- Barley Cooking Tip: Pearly barley is recommended for this recipe as it cooks more quickly and has a pleasant texture compared to regular barley.
- Cheese Option: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding cheese to the casserole just after baking.
This Barley Casserole offers a unique, nutritious alternative to rice and is perfect for those looking to add a delicious grain-based dish to their meal rotation. Enjoy this comforting casserole as a satisfying side or even as a main course.
