Zesty Lemon-Infused Barley with Fresh Parsley
This delightful Lemon-Infused Barley with Fresh Parsley transforms a simple grain into a vibrant and flavorful side dish. By combining the nutty flavor of barley with the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice and the aromatic richness of sautéed onions and garlic, this dish provides an exciting alternative to traditional rice or pasta. Not only is it delicious, but it also pairs perfectly with grilled meats, such as pork loin, enhancing your meal with a fresh touch. This recipe is easy to prepare and makes approximately 3-4 servings, perfect for a family meal or an intimate dinner party.
3
Servings
100
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry barley
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
water
1 1/4 cups (cold)
chicken broth
1 1/4 cups (low-sodium recommended)
lemon
1 (zested and juiced)
onion powder or minced onion
1 teaspoon or 1 tablespoon (minced if using fresh)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and onion, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2
In a separate pot, combine 1 1/4 cups of water and 1 1/4 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
3
Once boiling, add the dry barley, stirring gently. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer according to package directions, usually about 30-40 minutes, until the barley is tender but still retains a slight chew.
4
While the barley is cooking, zest the lemon and then juice it, setting both aside.
5
When the barley has absorbed most of the liquid and you can see some of the grains through the remaining water, stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and the sautéed garlic and onion mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
Once done, remove from heat and fold in the fresh parsley until evenly distributed. Allow the residual heat to slightly wilt the parsley without overcooking it.
7
Serve warm, adding extra lemon juice or parsley to taste, if desired.
Nutrition Information
0.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
3g
Protein
4g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon-Infused Barley with Fresh Parsley?
It is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that combines the nutty flavor of barley with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and sautéed aromatics like garlic and onion.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 3 to 4 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of this lemon barley dish?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 4g of fiber.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 3g of protein in each serving of this dish.
How much fat is in this barley recipe?
This is a low-fat dish with only 0.5g of fat per serving.
What type of broth is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1 1/4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
How long does it take to cook the barley?
The barley typically simmers for 30-40 minutes until it is tender but retains a slight chew.
What ingredients do I need for the zesty lemon flavor?
You will need the zest and juice of one whole lemon.
When should the fresh parsley be added?
The fresh parsley should be folded in at the very end after removing the barley from the heat.
Can I use onion powder instead of fresh onion?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of onion powder as an alternative to 1 tablespoon of minced onion.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
Should the barley be rinsed before cooking?
Yes, the dry barley should be rinsed and drained before being added to the boiling liquid.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates in each serving.
What are the recommended pairings for this dish?
It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, specifically pork loin.
Is this dish considered a good alternative to rice?
Yes, it is an exciting and healthy alternative to traditional rice or pasta dishes.
How do you prepare the garlic and onion?
Sauté the minced garlic and onion in a skillet with olive oil for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is tagged for meal prep and stores well.
What is the sugar content in this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 0.5g of sugar.
What is the ratio of liquid to barley?
For 1 cup of dry barley, you use a total of 2 1/2 cups of liquid (1 1/4 cups water and 1 1/4 cups broth).
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The recipe is tagged as vegetarian; however, to ensure it is strictly vegetarian, you should use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The instructions recommend using a drizzle of olive oil.
How much fresh parsley is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Do I cook the parsley with the barley?
No, you fold it in at the end so the residual heat wilts it slightly without overcooking it.
What should I do if the barley is too dry?
You can add extra lemon juice or a splash of broth to reach your desired consistency.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy and quick recipe.
At what point do I add the lemon zest and juice?
Add them when the barley has absorbed most of the liquid, then cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Can this be served cold?
While the recipe suggests serving it warm, it can also be enjoyed as a cold grain salad.
What size pot should I use for the liquids?
A separate pot should be used to combine the water and broth and bring them to a boil.
What is the main texture of the dish?
The dish features the chewy, nutty texture of barley complemented by fresh herbs and citrus.