MUSHROOM BARLEY "RISOTTO"

Mushroom Barley

Yield Serves 2

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 cup pearl barley
2 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, or to taste
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves

Steps:

In a 3-quart microwave-safe casserole with a tight-fitting lid microwave 1 tablespoon of the butter, uncovered, at high power (100%) for 1 minute, or until it is melted, stir in the mushrooms, the garlic, and the salt, and microwave the mixture, uncovered, at high power for 5 minutes. Add the barley and the water, microwave the mixture, covered, at high power for 12 minutes, and microwave it, covered, at medium power (50%) for 25 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the barley is al dente. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, cut into bits, the Parmesan, the parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.