Mushroom Barley Pilaf

Revised 2018 Apr 18

4 servings

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 small onion, minced
2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup dry sherry
27 ounces chicken stock
1 cup pearl barley
2 teaspoons dried basil
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Melt butter in an oven safe large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in garlic and onion, and cook, stirring occasionally until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the mushrooms, and cook until the mushrooms have softened and released their liquid, about 5 minutes more.

Stir in the sherry, and simmer for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth, barley, and basil; bring to a boil over high heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and boil gently for 5 minutes.

Cover the Dutch oven, and place into the preheated oven. Bake until the barley is tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir in chopped parsley before serving.

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The author notes "This is a cozy, savory side dish. I sometimes brown chicken breasts and throw them on top of the pilaf for the last 20 minutes of cooking time. Enjoy."