Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Barley Pilaf with veggies


1/4 cup dried shitake or button mushrooms(any are fine)
2 cups water
1/2 cup dry marsala(red cooking wine) or subsititue with 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tblsp veg oil
1 medium onion thinly cut
4 medium garlic cloves(thinly cut)
1 tblsp freshly grated ginger
1 tsp red chilli flakes
1 1/2 cups pearl barley( not instant barley)
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup steamed vegetables(green beans,asparagus(sliced)(you can use vegetables of your choice)

Preparation:
step 1: Mix 2 cups water with 1/2 cup marsala in a medium pot and boil it at medium heat. After the liquid comes to a boil,  Simmer the liquid on a medium heat till ready to use.

Step 2: Place the mushrooms in a bowl and cover with boiling water(1/2 cup) and then leave for 15 minutes.
Strain the mushrooms and reserve the water.Sautee onions in 1 tsp vegetable oil in a seperate medium sized dutch oven or cooking pot till the onions are translucent and medium brown in color. Add garlic and sautee for 3 minutes.Add grated ginger and red chilli flakes. Add mushrooms and sautee for 5 minutes. Then add barley, salt and pepper to taste

Stir in the liquid mix(mushroom water and marsala with water) and let it simmer on a medium heat for 25 minutes or untill liquid evaporates.
when the barley is ready, add steamed vegetables and ready to serve. Makes 4-6 servings.


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