Lemony Vegetable Barley Pilaf

Brighten up your table with this vibrant and wholesome Lemony Vegetable Barley Pilaf, a mouthwatering blend of tender pearl barley, fresh garden vegetables, and zesty citrus flavors. Simmered in rich vegetable broth, pearl barley provides a hearty, nutty base that perfectly complements the sautéed medley of carrots, zucchini, and spinach. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest lend a refreshing tang, while herbs like parsley and dill elevate each bite with aromatic goodness. Ready in just 40 minutes, this nutritious, one-pan recipe is perfect as a light main dish or a flavorful side, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Healthy, vegetarian, and packed with bold flavors, this barley pilaf is sure to become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2.5 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pearl barley under cold water using a fine mesh sieve.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the barley, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 3

While the barley cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the diced zucchini and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until wilted.

Step 6

Once the barley is cooked, drain any excess liquid, if necessary, and stir it into the skillet with the vegetables.

Step 7

Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine.

Step 8

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Remove from heat and serve warm. Garnish with extra parsley or dill if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1437.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1373.4

Total Fat 37.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2822.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 233.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 49.9g	0%
Total Sugars 27.1g
Protein 39.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 412.6mg	0%
Iron 13.5mg	0%
Potassium 3585.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.4%

Protein: 11.2%

Carbs: 65.4%