Savory Spinach and Barley Pilaf
This Savory Spinach and Barley Pilaf offers a delightful alternative to traditional sides like potatoes or rice. Bursting with flavor from sautéed onions, celery, and mushrooms, this dish combines the hearty texture of pearl barley with fresh spinach for a nutritious and satisfying accompaniment to beef, chicken, or fish. Perfect for those seeking a heart-healthy option, this recipe is both versatile and delicious, making it an excellent choice for any meal. Enjoy a wholesome dish that not only tastes great but also contributes to your overall well-being.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter or margarine
3 tablespoons (melted)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
celery ribs
2 (sliced)
mushroom pieces
1 (4-ounce) can (drained (or 4 ounces fresh, sliced))
pearl barley
1 cup (uncooked)
low-sodium instant chicken bouillon granules
3 teaspoons (granules)
water
3 1/4 cups (liquid)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
fresh spinach
1 bunch (washed and steamed)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onions, sliced celery, and drained mushroom pieces. Sauté for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.
3
Stir in the pearl barley, cooking it for an additional 3-4 minutes while stirring frequently, until it is lightly toasted.
4
Pour in the low-sodium chicken bouillon granules, water, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the barley is tender.
6
Alternatively, preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine the barley mixture in a covered casserole and bake until the liquid is absorbed and the barley is tender.
7
While the barley cooks, thoroughly wash the fresh spinach and steam it in a separate pot for 3 to 5 minutes until wilted.
8
Once the spinach is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir it into the barley mixture. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, just until everything is heated through.
9
Serve hot and enjoy your delectable Savory Spinach and Barley Pilaf!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spinach and Barley Pilaf?
It is a nutritious side dish that combines pearl barley, fresh spinach, and sautéed vegetables as an alternative to rice or potatoes.
What main dishes pair well with this pilaf?
This dish is a satisfying accompaniment to beef, chicken, or fish.
How long should I sauté the onions, celery, and mushrooms?
The vegetables should be sautéed for approximately 5 minutes until they are tender and aromatic.
What type of barley is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked pearl barley.
Do I need to toast the barley?
Yes, stir in the pearl barley and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until it is lightly toasted.
Can this recipe be prepared in the oven?
Yes, you can combine the barley mixture in a covered casserole and bake it at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the barley take to simmer on the stove?
It should simmer for 45 to 55 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the barley is tender.
What vegetables are included in the pilaf?
The recipe includes chopped onions, sliced celery, mushroom pieces, and fresh spinach.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute the 4-ounce can with 4 ounces of fresh, sliced mushrooms.
How much water is needed for the cooking liquid?
You will need 3 1/4 cups of water.
Is this recipe considered heart-healthy?
Yes, it is described as a heart-healthy option that contributes to overall well-being.
How should the fresh spinach be prepared?
The spinach should be thoroughly washed and steamed in a separate pot for 3 to 5 minutes until wilted.
When do I add the spinach to the barley?
Add the steamed spinach to the barley mixture once the barley is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
What kind of bouillon is used?
The recipe specifies 3 teaspoons of low-sodium instant chicken bouillon granules.
Is this a good alternative to white rice?
Yes, the hearty texture of pearl barley offers a great alternative to traditional sides like rice.
How many celery ribs are required?
The recipe requires 2 sliced celery ribs.
How much onion is used in the pilaf?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
How much pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper.
Should the barley be cooked before I start the recipe?
No, you should use uncooked pearl barley as it cooks with the other ingredients.
What is the final step before serving?
Cook the combined barley and spinach for 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through.
Can vegetarians eat this dish?
The recipe uses chicken bouillon; to make it vegetarian, use vegetable bouillon instead.
What heat setting is used for the initial sauté?
The butter should be melted and vegetables sautéed over medium heat.
How do I know the spinach is ready?
Steam the spinach just until it is wilted, which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes.
Is the bouillon added as a liquid or granules?
It is added as dry granules along with the water and pepper.
What is the serving temperature?
The Savory Spinach and Barley Pilaf should be served hot.
How much spinach do I need?
The recipe requires 1 bunch of fresh spinach.
What equipment is needed for the stovetop method?
A large saucepan for the pilaf and a separate pot for steaming the spinach.
Does this recipe use a lot of salt?
It uses low-sodium bouillon granules and pepper to minimize extra sodium while maintaining flavor.
What is the total simmering time for the barley?
The barley needs to simmer for a total of 45 to 55 minutes.