Mediterranean Barley

Barley is one of those underutilized pantry staples. I actually prefer the creamy nutty flavor of barley to that of rice. I decided to experiment with the classic mediterranean flavor combination of spinach, feta and garlic. This was the resulting side dish.

Mediterranean Barley

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 clove garlic (chopped)
• 1 cup pearled barley
• 1/2 cup wine
• 2 cups stock (vegetable or chicken or...)
• 1 10 ounce package frozen spinach, thawed
• 1/2 cup parmigiano-reggiano
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Melt the butter in large sauce pan. Add onions and saute until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.4. Add barley toss to coat with the butter.

3. Add wine and stir until evaporated. Add 1/2 cup of stock at a time and stir until evaporated, adding the spinach with the last 1/2 cup of stock.

4. Add feta, salt and pepper and stir.