Savory Barley Medley with Butternut Squash, Apples, and Thyme
Elevate your dinner table with this delightful Savory Barley Medley that combines the earthy flavors of barley with the sweetness of butternut squash and apples. This recipe is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, featuring caramelized onions and vibrant sweet peppers. The fragrant garlic and thyme add depth and aroma that will envelop your kitchen as it cooks. Whether served as a hearty main dish or as a side alongside your favorite protein like salmon or chicken, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike with its unique flavor profile and colorful presentation. It's not just a meal; it's a celebration of healthy eating and delicious food that everyone will enjoy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (divided)
Uncooked barley
1/2 cup
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
Butternut squash
2 cups (peeled & diced)
Onion
1 cup (chopped)
Sweet red pepper
1/2 cup (diced)
Apple
1 medium (peeled, cored, diced)
Garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons (minced)
Dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Fat-free chicken broth
1/3 cup
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a rolling boil. Stir in the uncooked barley, cover the saucepan, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer until the barley is tender and cooked through, about 30 to 35 minutes. Once done, drain any excess water and set aside.
2
While the barley is cooking, heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced butternut squash and sauté, stirring frequently, until it begins to soften, approximately 5 minutes.
3
Add the chopped onion and diced red pepper to the skillet and continue to cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to mingle and release their flavors.
4
Incorporate the diced apple, minced garlic, dried thyme, black pepper, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt into the skillet. Stir well and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apple pieces are nearly tender, around 2 minutes.
5
Pour in the fat-free chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape any flavorful brown bits off the bottom of the skillet. This adds an extra layer of flavor to your dish.
6
Once the broth is heated through, add the cooked barley to the skillet and toss everything together over low heat, ensuring that the barley is coated well with the vegetable mixture and broth. Allow the medley to heat for an additional minute before removing from heat.
7
Serve warm and enjoy your Savory Barley Medley as a stand-alone dish or alongside your favorite proteins.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Barley Medley with Butternut Squash?
It is a healthy and flavorful grain dish combining cooked barley with caramelized butternut squash, apples, onions, and sweet peppers, seasoned with thyme and garlic.
How long does it take to cook the barley?
The barley needs to simmer in boiling water for approximately 30 to 35 minutes until it is tender and cooked through.
What are the primary ingredients in this medley?
The main ingredients include uncooked barley, butternut squash, onion, sweet red pepper, apple, garlic, dried thyme, and fat-free chicken broth.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
While the tags mention vegetarian, the recipe uses chicken broth; to make it truly vegetarian or vegan, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
How do I prepare the butternut squash for this recipe?
The butternut squash should be peeled and diced into small pieces before being sautéed in olive oil.
Can I use a different type of broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth or beef broth depending on your dietary preferences and the flavor profile you desire.
What kind of apple works best?
The recipe calls for one medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced. A firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works well to maintain texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Although tagged as gluten-free in the metadata, barley naturally contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, replace the barley with a grain like quinoa or certified gluten-free oats.
How do I sauté the vegetables?
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, adding the squash first, then the onions and peppers after a few minutes.
What is the purpose of adding the chicken broth to the skillet?
The broth is used to deglaze the pan, helping to scrape up flavorful brown bits from the bottom and adding moisture to the final dish.
When should I add the garlic and thyme?
Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt after the onions and peppers have cooked for about 3 minutes.
How do I know when the barley is finished?
The barley is done when it is tender to the bite but still holds its shape. Be sure to drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh thyme. Generally, you use three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried.
What proteins pair well with this barley medley?
This dish is an excellent side for proteins like salmon, roasted chicken, or pork chops.
How many ingredients are required?
This recipe requires 11 specific ingredients including seasonings and oils.
Is this a good recipe for weight loss?
Yes, it is tagged as low-calorie and Weight Watchers friendly, focusing on fiber-rich grains and fresh vegetables.
What should I do if the apples get too soft?
To avoid mushy apples, ensure you only cook them for about 2 minutes before adding the broth and barley.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can cook the barley ahead of time and store it, then complete the sautéing steps when you are ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What size should the red pepper be diced?
The red pepper should be finely diced to ensure it cooks evenly with the onions and squash.
Do I need to peel the apple?
Yes, the recipe recommends peeling the apple to ensure a consistent, soft texture in the medley.
What heat setting is used for the final mixing?
Once the barley is added to the skillet, toss everything together over low heat to ensure it is evenly coated and heated through.
Is this a seasonal dish?
While delicious year-round, the use of butternut squash and apples makes it a perfect fall or autumn recipe.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, frozen diced squash can be used to save time, though you may need to adjust the sautéing time to account for the moisture.
What does the onion add to the recipe?
The chopped onion provides a savory base and sweetness as it caramelizes with the squash.
How much water is needed for the barley?
You will need 3 cups of water to cook 1/2 cup of uncooked barley.
Is salt added at different stages?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon is added to the barley water, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon is added to the vegetable mixture.
Does this dish have a lot of fiber?
Yes, because of the barley, squash, and apples, this dish is naturally high in dietary fiber.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended to prevent the squash and onions from sticking during the sautéing process.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! You can easily add spinach, kale, or sautéed mushrooms to further enhance the nutritional profile.