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Cozy Hearty Creamy Barley Comfort Bowl

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A warm, creamy barley bowl simmered with tender vegetables and a luscious broth, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pearl barley (190g)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (950ml), low-sodium
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cremini mushrooms (100g), sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g), softened
  • ½ cup heavy cream (120ml) (can substitute coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (25g), grated (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the barley under cold water for about 30 seconds using a fine mesh strainer to remove excess starch.
  2. Heat the unsalted butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced celery, and diced carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened and onion is translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook for another 5 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and start to brown, stirring often.
  4. Add the rinsed barley to the pot and stir to coat with butter and vegetables. Toast for 2-3 minutes until barley smells nutty.
  5. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until barley is tender but chewy.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh thyme. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes to meld flavors and thicken broth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. If desired, stir in grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with a sprig of thyme or a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Rinse barley before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping. Toast barley before adding broth to enhance nutty flavor and maintain chewy texture. Add cream at the end to avoid curdling. Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking and burning. Adjust seasoning gradually. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream. For gluten-free, use hulled oats or quinoa instead of barley and adjust cooking times.

Nutrition

Keywords: barley bowl, creamy barley, comfort food, hearty dinner, easy dinner, vegetarian, creamy barley recipe

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