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Garlic Mushroom Barley Skillet With Fresh Herbs

This Garlic Mushroom Barley Skillet is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the nutty taste of pearl barley with the rich flavors of garlic and mushrooms. It’s a simple yet special recipe perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for freshness)

Instructions

  1. Begin by rinsing the pearl barley under cold water for about 2 minutes to remove excess starch.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers.
  3. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and lightly golden, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and release their juices, stirring regularly.
  6. Now add the pearl barley to the skillet, stirring well and letting it toast for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
  7. Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the barley is cooked, stirring occasionally.
  8. Add the roughly chopped baby spinach, dried thyme, and oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  9. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs and a splash of lemon juice if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: To avoid burning the onions and garlic, control the heat and stir regularly. You can add cooked chicken breast or tofu for more protein, and feel free to experiment with the amounts of fresh herbs for more flavor.