Barley Shiitake And Spinach Pilaf Recipe

Discover this unique barley recipe, unearthed from a vintage vegetarian magazine! Unlike typical barley soups, this pilaf boasts a delightful combination of chewy barley, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and vibrant spinach. A simple yet elegant side dish or satisfying vegetarian main course, ready in under 80 minutes.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 80 mins
Calories 326.5 kcal
Protein 18g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Barley Shiitake And Spinach Pilaf

Recipe Actions

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Barley Shiitake And Spinach Pilaf

  • Pearl Barley
  • 2 cups water
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Dark Sesame Oil
  • Onion
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Shiitake Mushrooms
  • Button Mushrooms
  • Spinach Leaves
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • Tamari Soy Sauce
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

How to Make Barley Shiitake And Spinach Pilaf

  1. Rinse 1 cup of barley thoroughly under cold water.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed barley with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the barley is tender but not mushy.
  3. While the barley simmers, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add 1 medium onion, chopped, and saute until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add 2 cloves of garlic, minced, and 8 ounces of shiitake mushrooms, sliced. Saute for another 3-5 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  6. Stir in 5 ounces of fresh spinach, the cooked barley, and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.
  7. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the barley is heated through, stirring occasionally.
  8. Season with 1-2 tablespoons of tamari (or soy sauce) and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Serve warm as a side dish or a light vegetarian meal.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Small additions can make a big impact! Try a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of your favorite spice blend, or a squeeze of citrus just before serving to really enhance the flavors of your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

11 g

Sugar

16g

Fat

8g

Carbs

16g