Toasty Barley Nutty Side Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/toasty-barley-nutty-side-recipe/
