Sides · Unconventional Cooks · vegetarian

Barley and Mixed Mushroom Skillet

I have a new series on TikTok/Reels called Unconventional Cooks, where I make a dish using unconventional ingredients or ingredients that have fallen out of favor in modern times.

This recipe falls into the latter category.

Barley was the number one grain source for thousands of years. It’s still the fourth most produced grain in the world. But do people in America use it frequently in their cooking? Nope.

RELATED: Mushroom Bourguignon

You barely hear about barley now, and when you do, it’s only mentioned for beer making. You can find pearl barley in most grocery stores, but I think some of the boxes of barley sit on shelves for a very, very long time.

Barley is similar in taste and texture to oatmeal. It seems natural to cook it for breakfast and douse it in syrup. This recipe, however, makes it savory.

RELATED: Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms

This Barley and Mixed Mushroom Skillet is extremely savor. It is also extremely flavorful. Between the mushrooms, crispy-fried shallots and lemon juice, you get a tasty mouthful with every bite.

Grab that box of barley at the grocery store and make this Barley and Mixed Mushroom Skillet. Explore foods you don’t use much. Take part in Unconventional Cooks with me!

Enjoy!

Barley and Mixed Mushroom Skillet

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

A savory skillet recipe made with mixed mushrooms, cripsy-fried shallots and barley.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 4 TBS. olive oil
  • 2 TBS. butter
  • 8 oz. mixed mushrooms like portobello, morel, oyster, shiitake and lions mane
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 TBS. fresh thyme leaves
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Directions

    1. Cook barley according to package instructions.
    2. In the meantime, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet. Add shallots and fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Remove to a plate.
    3. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in the same skillet. Add mixed mushrooms, garlic powder, salt and pepper and saute until brown and tender. Add butter and fresh thyme.
    4. Stir in barley and lemon juice to mushroom skillet. Serve topped with crispy fried shallots.

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