Are you searching for a deliciously wholesome dish that's both easy to prepare and packed with nutrition? Look no further than this mouthwatering Barley Pilaf with Peas! This simple yet elegant recipe transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy side dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With its nutty barley, sweet peas, and perfectly balanced flavors, this pilaf is about to become your new go-to recipe for any meal.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup barley
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup peas, frozen or fresh
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the barley thoroughly under cold running water to remove any excess starch and potential debris.
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed barley and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This will enhance the nutty flavor of the barley.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pan with the toasted barley. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the barley for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is almost completely absorbed and the barley is tender but still has a slight bite.
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen or fresh peas directly to the top of the barley. Do not stir yet.
- Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 3-4 minutes to allow the peas to steam and the barley to finish cooking.
- Fluff the barley and peas gently with a fork to separate the grains and distribute the peas evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to incorporate the seasonings.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Always rinse your barley thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure a fluffy texture.
- Toasting the barley before cooking intensifies its natural nutty flavor - don't skip this crucial step!
- Use a tight-fitting lid when simmering to trap steam and ensure even cooking.
- For extra flavor, try substituting vegetable broth with chicken broth or adding minced garlic during the toasting stage.
- Fresh peas will give a brighter color and slightly sweeter taste compared to frozen, but both work wonderfully.
- Let the pilaf rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the grains to absorb any remaining moisture and become perfectly tender.
- For a protein boost, consider adding toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta cheese as a garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
