Savory Barley and Leek Pilaf with Herbs and Lemon
This Savory Barley and Leek Pilaf is a delightful dish that showcases the earthy flavors of barley combined with the aromatic sweetness of leeks. Cooked in a fragrant blend of chicken stock and enhanced with raisins, fresh basil, and chives, this pilaf is both comforting and nutritious. The addition of lemon juice and zest adds a bright note, making it a perfect side dish or a light vegetarian main. Perfect for sharing, this pilaf is sure to impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
190
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
leek
1 (thinly sliced)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
quick-cooking barley
1 cup
raisins
3 tablespoons
kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon
chicken stock
2 cups
fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped)
chives
2 tablespoons (chopped)
lemon
1 small (juiced and zested)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced leeks and sauté until they are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Stir in the quick-cooking barley and sauté for another 2 minutes until the barley is lightly toasted.
3
Add the kosher salt, chicken stock, and raisins to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4
Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the barley is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5
Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Uncover the pot and gently fluff the barley with a fork. Stir in the chopped fresh basil, chives, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning to your taste if necessary.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
31g
Carbs
5g
Protein
5g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Barley and Leek Pilaf with Herbs and Lemon?
It is a nutritious and comforting side dish that combines earthy barley with the sweetness of leeks, raisins, and a blend of fresh herbs and citrus.
How many calories are in this pilaf?
Each serving contains approximately 190 calories.
What type of barley is required for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of quick-cooking barley.
How should the leeks be prepared?
The leek should be thinly sliced before being sautéed in the pot.
How long does it take to sauté the leeks?
Sauté the sliced leeks for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this barley pilaf provide?
There are 5 grams of protein per serving.
How much fiber is in a serving of this recipe?
This dish is high in fiber, providing 5 grams per serving.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The dish contains 5 grams of sugar, which comes from the raisins and natural sweetness of the leeks.
What liquid is used to cook the barley?
The barley is simmered in 2 cups of chicken stock for added flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, although the recipe uses chicken stock, you can easily substitute it with vegetable stock to make it vegetarian.
What herbs are used to finish the dish?
The pilaf is finished with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil and 2 tablespoons of chopped chives.
When do I add the raisins?
Add the raisins to the pot along with the kosher salt and chicken stock before bringing the mixture to a boil.
What is the cooking time for the barley?
Once covered and the heat is reduced to medium, the barley should cook for 12 to 15 minutes.
Should I toast the barley before simmering?
Yes, you should sauté the barley with the leeks for 2 minutes until it is lightly toasted.
How do I incorporate the lemon?
After the barley is cooked and fluffed, stir in the juice and zest of one small lemon.
Why do I need to let the pot stand for 5 minutes after cooking?
Allowing it to stand covered for 5 minutes helps the flavors meld and ensures the barley finishes absorbing the moisture.
What oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 31 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this dish considered a main course or a side dish?
It is primarily a side dish but can also be served as a light vegetarian main course.
How do I know the barley is finished cooking?
The barley is done when it is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh basil and chives are recommended for the brightest flavor, but you can use dried herbs in smaller quantities if necessary.
What heat setting should be used to sauté the leeks?
Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat before adding the leeks.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple sautéing and simmering steps.
Does the recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the provided data, the cholesterol content is not specified, but the primary ingredients are cholesterol-free.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its warm, savory, and hearty nature.
What gives the pilaf its citrusy note?
The addition of both lemon juice and lemon zest provides a bright, citrusy finish.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, the final step in the instructions is to adjust the seasoning to your taste after adding the herbs and lemon.