Barley Shiitake And Spinach Pilaf Recipes

BARLEY PILAF

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add the barley and stir until the grains are just coated in butter. Add the broth and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover and simmer 20 minutes. Uncover and quickly stir in the spaghetti; cover and continue to simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed and the barley and spaghetti are tender, stirring once more, about 15 minutes more. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper and sprinkle with chopped chives.

BARLEY, SHIITAKE, AND SPINACH PILAF

Steps:

• Add the barley and water to a medium saucepan. Cover and simmer over low heat for approximately 1 hour.
• Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add both types of oil and saute the onions, stirring occasionally, until brown (about 5-7 minutes).
• Add garlic and mushrooms; saute for approximately 3 minutes.
• Add spinach, cooked barley, and sesame seeds; saute for 5 minutes, or until barley is heated through.
• Season with tamari and cayenne.

BARLEY AND ASPARAGUS PILAF

Steps:

• In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the oil and saute the onion and garlic until translucent and soft. Add the barley and stir together so the barley gets coated with oil and begins to toast.
• Reduce the heat and slowly add the vegetable stock a little at a time to the toasted barley. Stir constantly until all the liquid you've added has evaporated, then add more. Continue to do this until all the stock has been used. Reduce the heat to low and add the asparagus. Simmer until the asparagus is cooked, normally around 8 minutes. Cook's Note: Alternatively, you could blanch the asparagus first in boiling water, prior to adding it to the cooked barley. This will save you time if you're in a hurry.
• Stir in the cream, cheese and butter and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the chopped basil before serving.

SAUTEED SPINACH AND SHIITAKES

Steps:

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium. Add mushrooms; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate (reserve skillet).
• Heat remaining tablespoon oil in skillet. Add as much spinach as will fit; season with salt and pepper. Toss spinach, adding more to skillet as room becomes available. Cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, drain off any excess liquid, and stir in vinegar. Top spinach with mushrooms.