Barley Pilaf with Bacon

Name: Barley Pilaf with Bacon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 2 bacon strips, diced; 1 cup uncooked pearl barley; 1 small onion, chopped; 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms; 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

“This is a tried-and-true recipe from my days working in an oat-and-barley flour mill,” says Lili Hill of Athens, Georgia. Chicken broth, onions and bacon lend wonderful flavor to the fiber-rich grain.

Ingredients

2 bacon strips, diced
1 cup uncooked pearl barley
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a small nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels to drain. Cool, then refrigerate.
Drain skillet, reserving 2 teaspoons drippings. In drippings, saute barley, onion and mushrooms until barley is lightly browned and vegetables are tender.
Transfer to a 1-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Stir in broth and pepper. Cover and bake 1 hour.
Stir in bacon; bake 5-10 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Nutrition Facts

2/3 cup: 157 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.

Originally published as Barley Pilaf in Light & Tasty February/March 2008

Reviews

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Average Rating:

mglahti

Nov 2, 2013

Excellent! Made an elegant meal served with venison and aspargus.
Zafira Fauxhall

Mar 8, 2010

I don't serve barley too often so this was a nice change of pace. I used turkey bacon instead of pork bacon and it came out wonderful. I served this along side Five Spice Tuna and Asian Broccoli salad which resulted in a nice combinations of flavors.
nursebeb

Jan 27, 2010

great recipe. dont mistakenly use quick cooking barley. better if made ahead or as left overs.
bridetobe383

Dec 6, 2008

This is really delicious with a creamy texture! Highly recommended!!