Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that's not only hearty but also bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Barley Mushroom Casserole, a vegan delight that promises to impress both plant-based eaters and meat lovers alike! With its rich combination of pearl barley, savory mushrooms, and vibrant spinach, this casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make, taking just 55 minutes from prep to plate. Dive into this wholesome recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of pearl barley. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- While the barley is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Chop 1 onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Slice 2 cups of mushrooms and chop 1 cup of spinach.
- In a large skillet, heat a splash of water or vegetable broth over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and have released their moisture.
- Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- After the barley is cooked, combine it with the sautéed vegetables in the skillet. Add 1 teaspoon of thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast for added flavor and creaminess.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will help meld the flavors together.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to become slightly crispy.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Barley Mushroom Casserole!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can chop your vegetables a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This will streamline your cooking process when you’re ready to make the casserole.
- Choose Your Mushrooms: Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or even portobello, to add unique flavors and textures to your dish.
- Make it Creamier: For a creamier casserole, consider adding a splash of plant-based milk or a dollop of vegan cream cheese along with the nutritional yeast.
- Spice it Up: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite spices or herbs! A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can elevate the flavor profile and add a bit of warmth.
- Leftovers: This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Garnish for Presentation: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving to enhance the visual appeal and freshness of the dish.Enjoy crafting this delightful casserole and savor the delicious flavors it brings to your table!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 8g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
