Fresh Herbed Barley Pilaf Recipes

BARLEY PILAF

Steps:

• In a large pot of boilingsalted water, cook pearl barley until tender but stillal dente, about 35 minutes. Drain in a fine-mesh sieveand rinse with cool water to stop the cooking.
• In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium-high. Add shallot, minced, and season with coarse salt and ground pepper. Cook until softened, about 2 minutes; add barley and stir to combine. Transfer barley mixture to a largebowl and stir in toasted pine nuts, finely chopped fresh parsley, and freshlemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

FRESH HERBED BARLEY PILAF

Steps:

• Heat a saucepan until a few drops of water will "dance" on it. Add mushrooms and dry-sauté until they have released most of their juices, about 6 minutes.
• Add oil, onion or shallot, leek and herbs; sauté until tender and beginning to brown.
• Stir in cooked barley and toss together until heated through and flavors are blended.
• Optional additions: dried fruit such as cranberries, currants, or cherries; sliced or crushed nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts.

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.

WARM CAULIFLOWER AND HERBED BARLEY SALAD

Steps:

• Place barley in a large saucepan; add water to cover by 2". Season with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, 25-30 minutes. Drain; run under cold water. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, whisk lemon juice, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and 5 tablespoons oil in a medium bowl until emulsified. Season dressing with salt and pepper; set aside.
• Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cauliflower; cook, turning occasionally, until browned in spots, 10-12 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons water, cover, and cook until just tender, about 2 minutes longer. Season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer cauliflower to a large bowl; add beans, 1/4 cup parsley, 1 tablespoon tarragon, reserved barley, and half of reserved dressing. Toss to coat; season with salt and pepper.
• Divide salad among bowls; drizzle remaining dressing over. Garnish with lemon zest, 1/4 cup parsley, and 1 tablespoon tarragon.

HERB-BASTED CHICKEN WITH PEARL BARLEY, BACON, AND ROOT VEGETABLE PILAF

Steps:

• For pilaf:
• Bring 2 cups water and salt to boil in medium saucepan. Mix in barley. Cover pan, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until barley is tender, about 30 minutes. Drain barley.
• Sauté bacon in large pot over medium heat until brown and crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons drippings from pot. Add shallot; stir 30 seconds. Add cubed vegetables and sugar; sauté 6 minutes. Add barley, lemon juice, and herbs; stir 2 minutes. Mix in bacon; season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 hour ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Cover and place in oven to rewarm while chicken roasts, adding water by tablespoonfuls to moisten if dry.)
• For chicken:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat oil in large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken, skin side down, in skillet. Cook until skin browns, about 7 minutes. Add butter and herbs to skillet; stir to blend. Turn chicken skin side up. Place skillet in oven; roast chicken until cooked through, basting occasionally with herb butter, about 20 minutes.
• Divide pilaf among 4 plates; top with chicken. Spoon pan juices over.

VEGETABLE AND BARLEY PILAF

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, saute zucchini and carrot in butter until crisp-tender. Add broth; bring to a boil. Stir in barley. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until barley is tender, 10-12 minutes., Stir in the onions, marjoram, salt and pepper. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5 minutes.