Spinach, Mushroom, & Barley Pilaf

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 cup uncooked pearl barley
• 3 cups water
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon sweet basil pesto
• 1/2 lb cremini mushroom, thickly sliced
• 4 cups loosely packed spinach, torn into 1-inch pieces
• salt & pepper

Recipe

• 1 in a medium saucepan, bring barley and water to a boil over medium high heat. reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer till barley is tender and liquid is absorbed, 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• 2 about 10 minutes before barley is done, heat olive oil over medium heat in large non-stick saucepan. add onion and cook till transluscent and beginning to brown at the edges, about 3 minutes.
• 3 add garlic and pesto and stir till well mixed. add mushrooms and cook till tender, 4 minutes.
• 4 add cooked barley and spinach and stir till well combined and spinach is beginning to wilt. season with salt and pepper to taste.
• 5 serve hot.