Savory Barley & Rice Vegetable Pilaf
This Savory Barley & Rice Vegetable Pilaf is a delightful and nutritious dish that serves as a perfect side or a satisfying standalone meal. It's brimming with hearty flavors from vegetables, tender barley, and fluffy rice, making it a comforting addition to any table. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables, whether it be sweet bell peppers, zucchini, or even peas. With a generous blend of savory ingredients and seasoning, including garlic and parsley, this pilaf delights the palate while being low in protein. Perfect for meal prep, it can easily be halved or frozen for later enjoyment—ensuring you always have a delicious, wholesome dish on hand.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
celery
1 cup (chopped)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
pearl barley
1 1/4 cups
long grain brown rice
1 cup (or white rice)
boiling water
6 cups
carrot
1 cup (julienne)
chicken bouillon powder
3 tablespoons (or use liquid)
parsley flakes
1 tablespoon
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
3
Add the chopped celery, onion, and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and softens to your desired level.
4
Once done, transfer the sautéed vegetables into a 3-quart casserole dish.
5
In the same frying pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the pearl barley and long grain rice, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes, or until the grains become slightly golden brown.
6
Carefully add the toasted barley and rice mixture to the casserole dish with the onion mixture.
7
Pour in the boiling water, then add the julienned carrots, chicken bouillon powder, parsley flakes, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined.
8
Cover the casserole dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours, or until the barley is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Barley & Rice Vegetable Pilaf?
It is a nutritious and hearty dish made with pearl barley, rice, and vegetables that works as a side or standalone meal.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil, which is divided for different steps.
How long do I sauté the celery and onion?
Sauté the chopped celery, onion, and minced garlic for 5 to 10 minutes until softened.
What type of barley is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 and 1/4 cups of pearl barley.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, you can use either long grain brown rice or white rice.
Why should I toast the grains?
Toasting the barley and rice for about 5 minutes adds a golden brown color and enhances the nutty flavor.
How much water is needed for the pilaf?
You will need 6 cups of boiling water.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 3-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The pilaf needs to bake for approximately 2 hours or until the liquid is absorbed and barley is tender.
How are the carrots prepared?
The carrots should be julienned before being added to the casserole.
Can I substitute the chicken bouillon powder?
Yes, you can use liquid bouillon instead of the 3 tablespoons of powder.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep and can be halved or frozen for later use.
Can I add other vegetables to the pilaf?
Yes, you can add bell peppers, zucchini, or peas to customize the dish.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of parsley flakes for seasoning.
Is this dish spicy?
It contains 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, providing a very mild hint of spice.
Do I need to cover the dish while it bakes?
Yes, the casserole dish should be covered tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
Is this dish low in protein?
Yes, this pilaf is specifically noted as being a low protein option.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, the pilaf freezes well for future meals.
How much onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped onion.
How much celery is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped celery.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Does the rice need to be cooked before adding it to the casserole?
No, the dry rice is toasted in a pan and then baked in the casserole dish with water.
What should I do after the 2-hour baking time?
Let the dish cool slightly before serving.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy and nutritious vegetable dish.
Can I use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon?
Yes, using vegetable bouillon would make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
What is the texture of the finished pilaf?
The dish features tender barley and fluffy rice.
How much parsley is added?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of parsley flakes.
Can the recipe be easily scaled down?
Yes, the recipe can be easily halved if you need fewer servings.