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Barley Butternut Squash Pilaf Recipe

This award-winning recipe, originally published in the Chicago Tribune's Good Eating section (2008) and adapted from "The Woman's Day Cookbook for Healthy Living," delivers a vibrant and flavorful fall pilaf. Tender barley perfectly complements sweet butternut squash, punctuated by a surprising burst of lemon zest and aromatic herbs. A quick and easy weeknight meal or impressive side dish!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 55 mins
Calories 227.7 kcal
Protein 12g
Rating 4.8 (4 Reviews)
Barley Butternut Squash Pilaf 126

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Barley Butternut Squash Pilaf

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium butternut squash
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • zest of 1 lemon

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How to Make Barley Butternut Squash Pilaf

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed; 1 medium onion, chopped; and 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped.
  3. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring often, until slightly softened.
  4. Add 1 cup pearl barley.
  5. Cook, stirring frequently, until the barley is lightly toasted, about 3 minutes.
  6. Add 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in the zest of 1 lemon.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

5 g

Sugar

19g

Fat

2g

Carbs

15g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Side Dishes American Healthy Vegetarian Vegan Fall Recipes One Pot Meals

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Preparation Side Dishes Easy 3 Steps Or Less