Barley Pilaf

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil — or cooking oil of choice
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• green or red bell pepper, chopped — 1/2 cup, optional
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced — or 4 ounce can mushrooms, drained
• 1 cup pearl barley, uncooked
• 1 teaspoon low-sodium bouillon — vegetable, beef or chicken
• 2 1/2 cups water

Method

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Place a medium pan over medium heat; add vegetable oil, onion and celery.
3. Cook, stirring often until onion is soft.
4. Add bell pepper (if using), mushrooms and pearl barley.
5. Stir well.
6. Add water and bouillon and stir to dissolve bouillon.
7. Bring to a boil, lower heat and cover pan.
8. Cook for 50 to 60 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed.