Herby Barley Salad with Butter-Basted Mushrooms

This Herby Barley Salad with Butter-Basted Mushrooms is a wholesome and flavourful dish that combines nutty barley with rich, butter-basted mushrooms and fresh herbs. It’s perfect as a main dish or a hearty side, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes.

Ingredients:

For the Barley Salad:

• 1 cup (200 grams) pearl barley
• 3 cups (750 ml) water or vegetable stock
• 1 cup (250 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh mint, chopped

For the Butter-Basted Mushrooms:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 400 grams mixed mushrooms (e.g., button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Barley: Rinse the barley under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the barley and water or vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid and set the barley aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled barley, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the barley mixture and toss to combine. Stir in the chopped parsley and mint.
3. Cook the Mushrooms: In a large frying pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have released their moisture. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme leaves, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Serve: Arrange the barley salad on a serving platter or in a large bowl. Top with the butter-basted mushrooms, making sure to drizzle any remaining butter and garlic from the pan over the salad.

This Herby Barley Salad with Butter-Basted Mushrooms is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. The combination of nutty barley, fresh herbs, and rich mushrooms creates a satisfying and nutritious meal, perfect for any occasion.