Barley and Pine Nut Casserole 🌾🌰

Overview:

• Name: Barley and Pine Nut Casserole
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Servings: 5
• Calories per serving: 209.8
• Category: Grains
• Keywords: Fruit, Nuts, Vegan, < 30 Mins, Oven

Description:

This delightful casserole recipe serves as a hearty meatless meal or a delightful side dish complementing any meaty main course. Featuring the wholesome goodness of pearl barley, this dish is infused with the nutty crunch of pine nuts and a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered to perfection. Pearl barley is the preferred choice for its superior cooking properties, ensuring a tender texture without the unwanted stickiness often associated with other varieties. Whether you’re a vegan enthusiast or simply seeking a quick and flavorful dish, this Barley and Pine Nut Casserole is sure to tantalize your taste buds!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 2/3 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup pine nuts

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   Related Articles

   • 
     Creamy Kashmiri Chicken Delight
   • 
     Classic Homemade German Egg Noodles Recipe
   • 
     Cheesy Rosemary Twists: Quick and Crispy Breadsticks
   • 
     Savory Red Wine Portabella Brisket 🍷🍄
   • Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients for this wholesome casserole. Ensure your vegetables are washed and diced to the desired size, and have your pearl barley and pine nuts at the ready.

2. Mix Ingredients:

   • In a 4-6 quart crockpot or slow cooker, combine the pearl barley, diced celery, bell pepper, onion, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth. Stir gently to evenly distribute the ingredients, ensuring they are well combined.

3. Cooking Process:

   • Cover the crockpot or slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for approximately 6 to 8 hours. This slow and gentle cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, and the pearl barley to become tender and infused with the savory broth.

4. Add Finishing Touches:

   • Once the barley is tender and the flavors have developed, stir in the chopped green onions and pine nuts. These final additions bring a burst of freshness and crunch to the casserole, elevating its texture and taste profile.

5. Toasting Pine Nuts:

   • For an extra layer of flavor and aroma, toast the pine nuts before adding them to the casserole. Simply spread the pine nuts in an even layer on an ungreased shallow pan and bake them uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Alternatively, you can toast them in an ungreased heavy skillet over medium-low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until they begin to brown, then continue stirring constantly until they achieve the desired golden hue.

6. Serving:

   • Once the casserole is ready, serve it hot as a satisfying main dish or alongside your favorite meaty entree. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a visually appealing presentation.

7. Enjoy!

   • Sit back, relax, and savor each mouthful of this comforting Barley and Pine Nut Casserole. Whether enjoyed as a wholesome weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing side dish at your next gathering, this dish is sure to leave everyone craving seconds!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 209.8
• Total Fat: 5.6g
• Saturated Fat: 0.6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 449.3mg
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 8.5g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 6.7g

So, gather your ingredients, fire up your crockpot or slow cooker, and prepare to delight your taste buds with this wholesome and flavorful Barley and Pine Nut Casserole!