Mushroom Barley Casserole

Mushroom Barley Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with nutty barley, all baked to perfection in a savory broth. This wholesome meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• Pearl barley - 1/2 cup
• Mushrooms (cremini or button) - 200 grams, sliced
• Onion - 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Vegetable broth - 2 cups
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Fresh thyme - 1 teaspoon, chopped
• Fresh parsley - 1 tablespoon, chopped
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Nutritional yeast - 2 tablespoons (optional for a cheesy flavor)

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Add the pearl barley, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
3. While the barley is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced carrot, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned and any moisture has evaporated.
5. Stir in the thyme, salt, and black pepper, and cook for another minute.
6. Once the barley is cooked, combine it with the mushroom mixture in the skillet. Mix well to combine.
7. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish and sprinkle with nutritional yeast if using. Top with fresh parsley.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
10. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 56 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Rich in antioxidants from mushrooms and vegetables.

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