Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/12 checked
4
servings
1 cup

pearl barley

3 cup

water

1 tbsp

vegetable oil

2 tbsp

dark sesame oil

1 cup

onion

diced

2 unit

garlic

minced

4 ounce

shiitake mushrooms

sliced

8 ounce

button mushrooms

sliced

2 cup

spinach leaves

loosely packed

1 tbsp

sesame seeds

1 tbsp

tamari soy sauce

0.13 tsp

cayenne

to taste

Step 1
~7 min

Add the barley and water (or stock) to a medium saucepan.

Step 2
~7 min

Cover the saucepan.

Step 3
~7 min

Simmer over low heat for approximately 1 hour, or until the barley is cooked.

Step 4
~7 min

Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat.

Step 5
~7 min

Add both vegetable oil and dark sesame oil to the pan.

Step 6
~7 min

Saute the diced onions, stirring occasionally, until they turn brown (about 5-7 minutes).

Step 7
~7 min

Add the minced garlic and sliced shiitake and button mushrooms to the pan.

Step 8
~7 min

Saute for approximately 3 minutes, or until the mushrooms are softened.

Step 9
~7 min

Add the spinach leaves, cooked barley, and sesame seeds to the pan.

Step 10
~7 min

Saute for 5 minutes, or until the barley is heated through and the spinach has wilted.

Step 11
~7 min

Season with tamari soy sauce and cayenne pepper to taste.

Step 12
~7 min

Serve hot.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Toast the sesame seeds lightly before adding them to the pilaf for a more intense flavor.

Use vegetable stock instead of water for a richer taste.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made a day ahead and reheated.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Low
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a side dish with grilled tofu or tempeh.

Serve as a base for a vegetarian bowl with roasted vegetables.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Grilled Tofu
Roasted Vegetables

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

East Asia

Cultural Significance

Pilafs are common in many Asian cuisines.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Occasion Tags

weeknight dinner
side dish
healthy eating

Popularity Score

65/100

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