Sausage-Barley Casserole

Name: Sausage-Barley Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced; 1 cup medium pearl barley; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 1/2 cup chopped green pepper; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 cups water; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper

This is the perfect dish for a cool winter evening. It uses a grain which is usually reserved for baking but it is perfect in this casserole.—Mary Beth Jung, Hendersonville, North Carolina

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter, divided
1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1 cup medium pearl barley
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups water
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Saute sausage until lightly browned. Remove from pan and set aside. Add remaining butter; saute barley, vegetables and garlic until barley is lightly browned. Return sausage to pan. Add water, tomatoes and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat until liquid is absorbed, about 1 hour.