Delicious Barley Bake

Try this wonderful barley bake recipe for a warm and comforting meal. Packed with nutritious ingredients, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering. With a crispy golden crust and flavorful combination of vegetables and spices, it's sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of barley in this delicious and easy-to-make casserole.

Ingredients

• 1 cup barley
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the barley and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the barley is tender.
3. In a separate pan, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, red bell pepper, and zucchini for 5-7 minutes or until they are slightly softened.
4. Add the sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot with the cooked barley. Stir well to combine.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese, if desired.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Interesting Facts