Toasted Barley Salad With Red Bell Pepper Corn Grilled Portobello Mushrooms Recipes

TOASTED BARLEY SALAD WITH RED BELL PEPPER, CORN AND GRILLED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Place barley in heavy large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until pale golden, shaking pan occasionally, about 10 minutes. Add broth to pan and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until barley is tender and broth is absorbed, about 35 minutes. Uncover and let barley cool.
• Char poblano and red bell pepper over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose in paper bag and let stand 10 minutes. Peel, seed and dice poblano and red bell pepper.
• Place barley, poblano and red bell pepper in large bowl. Add tomatoes and next 5 ingredients; toss to blend. Season salad with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover; refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.)
• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Spray mushrooms with nonstick spray; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill until cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to work surface; slice thinly.
• Arrange 6 spinach leaves on each of 4 plates. Top with barley salad. Arrange 1 sliced mushroom alongside each salad. Serve while mushrooms are still warm.

TOASTED BARLEY WITH MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• 1. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan. Add the barley and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the barley smells toasty, about 5 minutes.
• 2. Add the lemon zest, 3 sprigs thyme, and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally. When most of the water is absorbed, add the chopped parsley.
• 3. Remove the stems of shiitake mushrooms and discard. Slice the mushrooms into 1/4-inch wide strips. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan. Add the onions and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and the remaining 3 sprigs thyme and continue to cook until brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
• 4. Spoon the barley into warm bowls and top with the mushrooms. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the top. Garnish with parsley leaves and serve hot.