Fall

Barley Casserole

by:
October  9, 2009
0
0 Ratings
  • Serves 6
Author Notes

This is one of my favorite recipes, which my mother used to make for our family in the fall and winter when we craved comfort food. The casserole goes well with beef, poultry, veal, and lamb. I love to serve it with a simple roasted chicken and a chicory/endive salad with goat cheese and candied walnuts dressed with my homemade vinaigrette. A loaf of sourdough ciabatta and a lovely food52 fruit tart complete the menu for a delicious fall or winter meal. —Leslie_

Continue After Advertisement
Ingredients
  • 1/4 pound butter
  • 2 medium onions
  • 3/4 pound mushrooms (I generally use white mushrooms, but shitake and/or crimini can also be used)
  • 1 1/2 cups pearl barley
  • 3 pimentos
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • parsley
Directions
  1. Melt butter in a saucepan.
  2. Stir in coarsely chopped onions and trimmed and sliced mushrooms and saute the vegetables until the onions are golden and the mushrooms are tender.
  3. Add the barley and cook the mixture until the barley is a delicate brown.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a casserole (with a cover) and add the pimentos, coarsely chopped, along with the chicken stock.
  5. Cover the casserole and bake in a 350 degree oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the barley is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. If the barley seems dry during the baking period, add more stock. Serve with chopped parley as a garnish and enjoy!

See what other Food52ers are saying.

6 Reviews

Carol December 19, 2013
My mother made this recipe many times. It is from Gourmet magazine in the 1970s. It was a family favorite that we had many, many times. Glad to know that it is still loved and enjoyed by others.
KitchenKim October 14, 2009
I have a bag of Trader Joe Dried Mushroom Medley...could I use that in place of the fresh mushrooms?
Leslie_ January 4, 2010
Sorry to take so long to respond to your question. I didn't realize there were comments!

Yes, by all means, add the dried mushroom medley if you haven't already used it in another recipe. But you might want to soak the mushrooms first and add them with their soaking liquid to the casserole.
KitchenKim October 14, 2009
I have a bag of Trader Joe Dried Mushroom Medley...could I use that in place of the fresh mushrooms?
SarahS October 13, 2009
I've had this dish many times, it's wonderful. Thanks Leslie for uploading it so I can try cooking it myself now.
Leslie_ January 4, 2010
You are most welcome. It's a great winter dish.