Best Cumin Scented Barley Recipes

One-Pot Chicken and Rice With Ginger and Cumin image

Provided by Kay Chun

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, each thigh cut into 2 equal pieces
Kosher salt and black pepper
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large shallots, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon brown mustard seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon ground green cardamom (optional)
2 cups basmati rice (about 14 ounces)
1/4 cup golden raisins (about 1 1/2 ounces)
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
2 medium carrots (about 6 ounces), peeled and very thinly sliced into rounds (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Hot sauce and yogurt, for serving (optional)

Steps:

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium. Add half the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook, turning halfway, until browned, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.
Add butter, shallots and remaining oil and cook, stirring, until butter is melted and shallots are softened, about 2 minutes. Add the ginger, garlic, mustard seeds, cumin seeds and cardamom (if using), and stir until very fragrant, 2 minutes.
Add rice and raisins, season well with salt and pepper and stir to coat, 30 seconds. Add broth, scraping bottom of pot to remove any browned bits.
Nestle chicken with any accumulated juices into the mixture and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with carrots, then cover and turn off heat. Let carrots steam for 5 minutes.
Add cilantro and fluff rice with a fork. Divide among bowls and serve with hot sauce and yogurt, if desired.

Barley with Toasted Cumin and Mint image

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups water
1 cup quick-cooking barley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint
2 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

Bring water, barley, salt, and turmeric to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan, then simmer, covered, until barley is tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Drain barley in a colander and transfer to a bowl. Stir in mint, onion (to taste), lemon juice, cumin, oil, and salt and pepper to taste.