Springtime Barley Recipes

Steps:

• In a large skillet, saute the onion, barley and nuts in butter until barley is lightly browned. Stir in the parsley, green onions, salt and pepper. , Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Stir in broth. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 1-1/4 hours or until the barley is tender and the liquid is absorbed. If desired, sprinkle with additional parsley and green onions.

Steps:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the oil and garlic, and heat over medium. Cook, stirring, until fragrant and softened but not browned, 2 to 4 minutes. Add 6 cups of water, the barley and 2 teaspoons soy sauce. Bring to a boil over high, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until the barley is tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Add the asparagus and peas, and cook until bright green and crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove pot from heat.
• In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, stir a spoonful of the soup into the miso until dissolved. Pour into the pot, along with the rice vinegar, ginger and remaining 1 teaspoon soy sauce; stir to combine. Taste for salt level and adjust with more soy sauce. (Leftovers will keep for up to 2 days; rewarm over low heat, thin with water, and add vinegar and soy sauce to taste.)

Steps:

• Quarter the onions lengthwise (stem to root end), then slice thinly across the grain.
• In a large, heavy soup pot heat the oil over medium heat and add the onions. Cook, stirring often, until they have softened and begun to darken a little; do not let them brown. Add a pinch of salt, the stock and the bouquet garni. Bring to a boil, add the barley, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 1 hour. Taste and adjust salt. Add freshly ground pepper.
• Remove the bouquet garni and discard. Add the fava beans and continue to simmer for 5 to 8 minutes more. Stir in the herbs. Serve, topping each bowl with the cheese croutons.

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.
• Add barley and leeks; cook until leeks begin to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Add wine; cook until evaporated, about 5 minutes.
• Add 2 cups water; bring to a boil and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat; simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
• Add broth and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until barley is tender and creamy, about 10 minutes.
• Add asparagus; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in peas until heated through.
• Add Parmesan and mint; season with salt and pepper.
• Garnish with mint leaves.

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium. Add barley and leeks; cook until beginning to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Add wine; cook until evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add 2 cups water; bring to a boil and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat; simmer until liquid absorbs, about 10 minutes.
• Add broth and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until barley is tender and creamy, about 10 minutes. Add asparagus; cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in peas until heated through. Add Parmesan and mint; season with salt and pepper. Garnish with mint leaves.