Skip the rice and try this incredible barley pilaf instead! It's more nutritious, easier to cook, and has that amazing chewy texture that makes every bite interesting – A superb twist on a great classic!
Prep time: PT10M
Cook time: PT45M
Total time: PT55M
Rating
4.76 stars (75 reviews)
Ingredients
1 cup pearl barley
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1-3/4 cups water
1-2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion (finely diced)
1 large carrot (finely diced)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1/2 tsp salt (I use Himalayan salt)
1/4 tsp ground white or black pepper
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 tsp turmeric
Categories
Side Dish
Cuisine
American
Steps
Cook the barley: Rinse 1 cup pearl barley until water runs clear. Combine with 1 cup chicken broth and 1¾ cups water in a saucepan. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 30 minutes without lifting lid. Let rest covered 10 minutes..
Sauté aromatics: Heat 1-2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 1 diced carrot, 1 minced garlic clove, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp white pepper. Cook 5 minutes until carrots are tender.
Combine and finish: Add cooked barley, ½ cup frozen peas, ¼ cup chopped parsley, and ¼ tsp turmeric to the pan. Gently fold together until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Let sit 2 minutes before serving.
Storage: Keeps 4-5 days refrigerated.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 245 kcal
Carbohydrates: 46 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 4 g
Sodium: 525 mg
Sugar: 3 g
Reviews
Meemo on 2025-05-19 (5 stars): I used quick cook barley because that’s all I had. Turned out great. My 4 year old loves it.
Kris Chalke on 2024-04-21 (5 stars): This is a delicious barley dish. I just have to remember to leave myself plenty of time when I make it.
Pauline Sahetapy on 2024-03-06 (5 stars): I made this with other veggies like asparagus and chick peas in addition to the ones in the recipe. Love more veggies in mine.
Cyndi on 2023-10-17 (5 stars): I’ve made this recipe several times. It’s absolutely delicious!
Jerome Dembski on 2023-10-16 (5 stars): I like this recipe! I added some sliced mushroom and green pepper and I used some homemade chicken stock.
I served it with some sliced beef and gravy from a roast I made.
Its a really good side.made a lot.
Leftovers for later in the week probably with some chicken
A keeper!
Shailly on 2023-09-14 (5 stars): Great recipe! I made it vegetarian by cooking barley in water instead of chicken broth. I added the turmeric in the water itself and it turned a beautiful yellow color.
Added a few more veggies and sesame seeds. Absolute hit!
Terry Eaton on 2023-04-12 (4 stars): Nice easy recipe, with things that were already in the refrigerator.
Megan on 2023-03-23 (5 stars): The flavors and textures are so delicious. Thanks for sharing this recipe
Cassandra on 2022-12-25 (5 stars): I too added red pepper and subbed corn for peas because Im allergic. I even threw in fresh spinach at the end. It was delish! Perfect side dish for Christmas dinner! Unique, tasty and hearty! I will make again! Thank you for the inspiration!
Anna Marjorie Moore on 2022-08-21 (5 stars): It was delicious! I used pot barley because that is what I had. I substituted chopped fresh spinach instead of peas. I mated it with fresh caught sockeye salmon fillets. Delicious combo.
Page Stambaugh on 2022-02-08 (5 stars): Sweet chili sauce sorry didn’t know how to edit my post
Page Stambaugh on 2022-02-08 (5 stars): This was SO good! I 1/2’d it & cooked the barley in my mini rice cooker.
I sautéed the veges in olive oil and used baby carrots cut up. The only thing I changed up was to add some red pepper sautéed with carrots n onions AND after stirring barley in I added about 1-2 teaspoons of sweet chili sauce (Asian)
I will be making this again!
Maria on 2022-01-12 (5 stars): Totally love this simple healthy recipe and so did my husband and 2 kids! Just added more peas bc my daughter loves them. Paired with baked cod. Thank you! I feel happy tonight that we ate well.
LCV in VT on 2021-10-10 (5 stars): Love barley and this was a great recipe for it.
Jan on 2021-02-09 (5 stars): This was very easy to make and
tasted great! I used the quick cook barely. I think I will add the red peppers next time.
