3cups705 ml water or vegetable broth, or a combination of both
½cup90 g uncooked pearl barley, rinsed
1tablespoon15 ml extra-virgin olive oil
1clovegarlicgrated
1tablespoon10 g chopped shallot
1pound455 g green asparagus, cut diagonally into 1-inch (2.5-cm) pieces
1tablespoon15 ml fresh lemon juice
6dried shiitake mushroomssoaked in warm water for 30 minutes, excess water squeezed out, thinly sliced
¼cup28 g drained and thinly sliced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
½teaspoongrated nutmeg
½teaspoonblack pepperto taste
½teaspoonfine sea saltto taste
½teaspoondried thyme
¼cup60 ml soy creamer or unsweetened nondairy milk
Black truffle oil or extra-virgin olive oilfor drizzling
Instructies
Cook the barley:
Bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil in a large saucepan.
Add the barley, cover, and cook for 40 minutes, or until tender.
Drain and set aside.
Sauté the aromatics and vegetables:
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the garlic and shallot, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring.
Stir in the asparagus and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the lemon juice and cook for another 5 minutes, until the asparagus is tender.
Combine the ingredients:
Stir in the cooked barley, shiitake mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Add the nutmeg, black pepper, salt, and thyme, stirring to combine.
Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the finishing touches:
Pour in the soy creamer and cook, stirring often, until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Serve:
Serve hot, drizzling black truffle oil or extra-virgin olive oil over the top.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Serving Tip:Pair with a crisp white wine and a side of arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.Wine Advice:A light and aromatic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the earthy flavors of this dish beautifully.