Yummy Barley Stir-fry

Barley (Photo credit: freefotouk)

I've been on a mission. No wheat, only whole grains. It's been tough.  
The other night, I made this simple barley dish that got two thumbs up from both Papa Bear and myself. The most difficult thing about the dish was timing. It takes an hour for the barley to cook, so this is not a meal you can whip up (unless you already have some pre-cooked barley). But with a little planning, it's crazy simple.

1 cup of Pearl Barley
12 cups Water
Salt to taste
2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
4 Minced Ramps (or 2 Shallots or an Onion)
1 Teaspoon of Crushed Red Pepper
2 Teaspoons of Unsalted Butter
2 Teaspoons Fresh Chopped Basil (yay....to still have some growing outside)
1 Cup of Spaghetti Sauce
1 Bouillon Cube
Black Pepper to taste

Bring the water to a boil. Add salt and the barley, simmer (uncovered) for an hour. Drain and set aside.

Heat Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced ramps (or shallots or onions) with the crushed red pepper and cook for 2 minutes.

Stir in butter and the already cooked barley.

Cook, tossing frequently until completely warmed. Add the basil, spaghetti sauce and bouillon cube. Stir some more. Cook for 1 minute.

Season with salt and pepper. Enough for an entree for 2 adults (plus some left-overs for lunch).


The only thing I would do next time is add some greens and maybe some diced bell peppers. This is destined to become one of out family's regular meals. Easy, cheap and nutritious. Done, done and done.