Barley With Shiitakes And Spinach Food

BARLEY, SHIITAKE, AND SPINACH PILAF

Steps:

• Add the barley and water to a medium saucepan. Cover and simmer over low heat for approximately 1 hour.
• Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add both types of oil and saute the onions, stirring occasionally, until brown (about 5-7 minutes).
• Add garlic and mushrooms; saute for approximately 3 minutes.
• Add spinach, cooked barley, and sesame seeds; saute for 5 minutes, or until barley is heated through.
• Season with tamari and cayenne.

BARLEY AND SHIITAKE MUSHROOM RISOTTO

Steps:

• For the vegetable stock: Add the vegetable stock, onion, carrots and celery to a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then maintain at a simmer while making the risotto.
• For the risotto: Add the olive oil to a large heavy-bottomed saucepan set over medium-high heat. When hot add the barley and saute until lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the shallots, garlic, Vidalia onions and salt; cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until the shallots become translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the shiitakes and thyme leaves and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Next, begin adding the vegetable stock, one ladleful at a time, allowing each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next. Stir frequently throughout; this brings out the starch in the barley. When the barley is tender and all of the vegetable stock has been used, remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the butter, Parmesan and pepper. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with the parsley. Serve immediately.

BARLEY RISOTTO WITH SPINACH AND PARMESAN

Steps:

• Warm oil in large, heavy nonstick saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onion; cook 4 minutes, stirring. Add barley and thyme; stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Add 1 cup of the broth; bring to a simmer. Cook 10 minutes, stirring often.
• Stir in remaining 3 cups broth. Cook 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add spinach, breaking up chunks with a wooden spoon. Cook 5 to 8 minutes, until warmed through and barley is tender yet chewy. Serve hot, garnished with cheese.