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.