Toasty Barley Nutty Side Recipe

Introduction

This Toasty Barley Nutty Side is a comforting and flavorful grain dish that combines the chewy texture of pearl barley with aromatic herbs and a buttery finish. It’s a perfect accompaniment to a variety of main courses, adding both heartiness and freshness to your meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2.5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the pearl barley under cold water and drain thoroughly to remove excess starch for better texture.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the barley and toast, stirring often for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and aromatic.
3. Step 3: Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute to release their flavors.
4. Step 4: Pour in the vegetable broth, then add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil to combine the flavors well.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, until the barley is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and fluff the barley with a fork to lighten the texture.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if you prefer a richer, meatier flavor.
• Use dried thyme if fresh is not available, but reduce the quantity to 1/3 teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated.
• For a lighter option, replace butter with olive oil or use a mix of both for flavor and richness.
• Add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch and nuttiness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick-cooking barley instead of pearl barley?

Yes, quick-cooking barley will reduce your cooking time, but the texture may be softer and less chewy. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions and monitor until tender.

Is this dish vegan-friendly?

This recipe can be vegan-friendly by substituting the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative while keeping the rest of the ingredients the same.

Toasty Barley Nutty Side Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 115 reviews

This Toasty Barley Nutty Side is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring pearl barley toasted to perfection and simmered in aromatic vegetable broth with onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. A deliciously rich and wholesome side that perfectly complements a variety of main dishes, bringing a nutty flavor and a tender, chewy texture to your plate.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Grains and Broth

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2.5 cups vegetable broth

Aromatics and Herbs

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Fats and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Rinse the barley: Start by rinsing the pearl barley under cold water, then drain it thoroughly to remove any excess starch. This will help achieve a better texture in the finished dish.
2. Toast the barley: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the drained barley and toast it, stirring frequently for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the barley turns golden and becomes aromatic.
3. Sauté onion and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the saucepan and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, cooking for an additional minute to release their flavors.
4. Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth, then add salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine the flavors well.
5. Simmer the barley: Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. This allows the barley to absorb the broth and become tender.
6. Rest the barley: Remove the saucepan from heat, keeping it covered, and let the barley stand for 5 minutes. This resting step ensures perfect texture.
7. Finish with butter and fluff: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and fluff the barley gently with a fork to create a light, airy consistency.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the barley for a bright finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if you prefer a richer flavor.
• For a lighter version, replace butter with olive oil or a plant-based spread.
• Dried thyme can be used if fresh thyme is not available—use about 1/3 teaspoon dried thyme.
• Adjust salt based on the saltiness of the broth; taste before adding more.
• This barley side pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as a hearty salad base.

Keywords: barley side dish, toasted barley, nutty barley, healthy grain side, vegetarian barley recipe, hearty side dish, pearl barley recipe