Spicy Barley And Rice

Total Time: 55 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2/3 cup regular barley (pearled)
• 1 (14 ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 1/4 cup brown rice
• 1 tablespoon small fresh thyme sprigs or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
• 1/2-1 teaspoon finely chopped chipotle chile in adobo
• 2 cups torn fresh spinach
• 1/3 cup pecans or 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped

Recipe

• 1 in saucepan cook onion in hot oil over medium heat for 5 minutes or until tender; stirring occasionally. add barley; cook and stir 3 minutes or until barley starts to brown.
• 2 carefully add broth, water, brown rice, dried thyme (if using), and chipotle pepper. bring to boiling; reduce heat. cover; simmer 45 minutes or until barley and rice are tender and most of liquid is absorbed.
• 3 stir in fresh thyme (if using). remove from heat. let stand 5 minutes. stir in spinach and pecans just before serving. makes 6 (2/3 cup) servings.