Barley pilaf

Submitted by Kelly Smith

Ingredients:

4 Tbs. butter

½ tsp. Italian seasoning

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (or ¼ cup dried)

Ground black pepper, to taste

1 small onion, chopped (or 1 Tbs. dried)

½ cup pearl barley

½ Tbs. minced garlic

3 cups chicken broth, hot

½ cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds

1/3 cup raisins (optional)

Directions:

In 2-quart casserole dish, melt butter in microwave. Stir in mushrooms, onion, garlic, seasonings and barley. Microwave 2-3 minutes, until mushrooms and onions are soft. Stir in broth and raisins. Bake, covered, at 350 F for about one hour, until barley is cooked. Let stand 5-10 mins before serving. Serves 4-6.
(Can also be cooked on stovetop: cover and simmer on low for one hour)
**Add or substitute any chopped vegetables for the mushrooms (e.g. celery, peppers, carrots, broccoli, spinach, peas)

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