SIMPLE BARLEY PILAF

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup medium pearl barley (not quick cooking barley)
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup pine nuts or almonds, optional
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the barley, nuts (if using), garlic and onions. Saute the mixture, stirring frequently, until the onions are tender and the barley is golden. Scrape the mixture into a 3-quart baking dish and stir in the salt, pepper and chicken broth. Bake uncovered for 60-80 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the barley is tender. Garnish with green onions, if desired.

From: www.melskitchencafe.com/simple-barley-pilaf/

Notes:

Used 2/3 cups of barley, oat groats, and cargo rice each. Also added 1/4 cup white wine plus a splash. Cooked in the instant pot for 26 minutes with a 10 minute natural release followed by quick release. I thought the grains were a bit too soft and needed more chew. Wade liked them as they were.

Baked Halibut and Parmesan Crumb Topping Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 pounds halibut fillets
• 3 slices bread
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Dash freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Lemon wedges or slices for serving
• DIRECTIONS
• Heat the oven to 450 F.
• Spray a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line the pan with nonstick foil.
• Cut the halibut to make four 6-ounce servings. Arrange the fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down. 
• Tear the bread into pieces and put in the food processor. Pulse until the breadcrumbs are fine.
• In a medium bowl, combine the crumbs with the Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, and melted butter. Mix well.
1. Sprinkle the buttery seasoned bread crumbs on the halibut pieces; pat down to help the crumbs adhere to the tops of the fish fillets.
2. Bake the halibut fillets for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish registers 145 F on an instant-read thermometer. Or test the fish for flaking with a fork (see below).
3. Serve the halibut with fresh lemon wedges or slices.
Serves 4.

Tips

To test fish for doneness, insert a fork into a fillet and twist it slightly to check for flaking. When it's done, the fish will flake into sections and it will be opaque.
From: The Spruce