Barley Pilaf with Mushrooms

Barley Pilaf with Mushrooms

1 T plus 1 t olive oil

2 c onion, chopped

1/2 lb mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 bay leaf

1 c pearl barley

2 c water

3 T fresh parsley, minced

Heat oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion, mushrooms and bay leaf for 5 minutes, stirring, until onion is softened. Stir in barley, water and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil. Reuce heat to low, cover pan and simmer 30-35 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and barley is tender. Discard bay leaf and stir in parsley. Fluff with a fork before serving.

This was yummy. The barley is a little bit nutty and chewy, which I liked. I didn't have a bay leaf, and I forgot about the parsley until we were eating, but it was still good. I liked it better than rice pilaf. I'll definitely make this again.