BARLEY WITH MUSHROOMS AND BROWNED ONIONS

Steps:

• Bring water (3 cups if using pearl barley; 3 1/2 cups for pot barley) to a rapid simmer in a medium saucepan and stir in the barley. Cover and simmer gently until the water is absorbed, 35 to 40 minutes. Taste, and if you'd like a little more tender texture, add another 1/2 cup water and simmer until absorbed.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a wide skillet. Add the onions and sauté slowly over low heat until lightly and evenly browned.
• Add the mushrooms and about 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook over medium heat until the mushrooms are wilted, about 8 minutes.
• Combine the onion and mushroom mixture with the cooked barley in a serving container. Stir in the dill, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
• barley
• Barley, one of the most ancient of cultivated grains, is most commonly available in the pearl variety, the kind sold in supermarkets. Searching a bit further afield, you might find pot barley in natural foods stores and food co-ops. The latter is less refined, retaining more of the natural fiber and bran. Both kinds are mild tasting, pleasantly chewy, and versatile. Basic cooking directions are above (Step 1).
• Barley is a favorite soup grain. Add uncooked barley to long-simmering winter soups (such as Split Pea and Barley Soup, page 25) for extra heartiness. Add cooked barley to cold summer soups (such as Cold Potato-Barley Buttermilk Soup, page 14) for a wonderful texture.
• Think of barley as a change of pace from rice in pilafs and casseroles.
• Barley is delicious as a base for marinated grain salads (see Barley or Rice and Corn Salad, page 46).
• nutrition information
• Calories: 171
• Total Fat: 5g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrate: 29g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 7mg