- Bell pepper (1 medium, diced) - SEO keyword: diced bell peppers
- Garlic cloves (3, minced) - SEO keyword: minced garlic
- Vegetable broth (600ml) - SEO keyword: vegetable broth
- Tomatoes (2 large, chopped) - SEO keyword: chopped tomatoes
- Canned tomatoes (1 can of 400g, crushed) - SEO keyword: canned tomatoes
- Herbs (thyme, oregano), dried or fresh - SEO keyword: dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste - SEO keyword: salt and pepper
- Olive oil for cooking - SEO keyword: olive oil
- Brown sugar (optional, 1 tablespoon) - SEO keyword: brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon) - SEO keyword: Worcestershire sauce
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### Barley Casserole Recipe: A Heartwarming Main Dish
Barley casseroles are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. This hearty main dish is perfect for those chilly evenings or as a comforting side to any meal. Follow these detailed steps and enjoy a well-rounded, nutritious casserole.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup barley
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 bell pepper, any color, finely chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cups cooked chicken or vegetable ground beef (optional)
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
#### Instructions:
1. **Preparation:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Rinse the barley thoroughly and set aside.
2. **Cooking Barley:**
- In a medium saucepan, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add the barley, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40-45 minutes or until tender but still chewy.
- Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
3. **Sautéing Vegetables:**
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced celery, and finely chopped bell pepper in a bit of olive oil for about 5-7 minutes or until they start to soften.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes with their juice, frozen corn kernels, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for another 10 minutes.
4. **Combining Ingredients:**
- Add the cooked barley to the vegetable mixture and stir well to combine.
- If using chicken or beef, mix it into the casserole now.
5. **Baking:**
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
6. **Garnish and Serve:**
- Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
#### SEO Tips:
- Include keywords like "barley casserole," "hearty main dish," and "nutritious" in the title, headers, and throughout the text to boost search engine rankings.
- Use bullet points for quick scanning of ingredients and steps.
- Provide estimated cooking times to give readers a clear idea.
Enjoy your comforting barley casserole while boosting your nutrient intake!