Toasted Barley with Charred Lemon Broccoli
Chewy barley and charred broccoli get a lemony finish in a hearty grain side with plenty of texture.
Prep: 10 · Cook: 20 · Total: 30 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (132 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
The recipe uses a skillet toast for cooked barley, then folds in charred broccoli and lemon for a bright, textural side.
Story
Casey loves when a side dish has enough personality to steal a few bites before dinner is ready. Barley gets pleasantly crisp in the skillet, broccoli brings those browned edges, and lemon keeps the whole bowl lively. Sunflower seeds add a little crunch without making the ingredient list fussy. It is a simple side that works with almost any main.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pearl barley, chilled
- 3 cups small broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons toasted sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Pat the cooked barley dry and toss the broccoli with 1 tablespoon olive oil and half the salt.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the broccoli for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned in spots and just tender.
- Transfer the broccoli to a plate, add the remaining oil, and spread the barley into the skillet in an even layer.
- Cook the barley undisturbed for 4 minutes, then stir and cook for 3 more minutes until several grains are crisp.
- Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining salt. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Fold in the broccoli, Parmesan, parsley, and sunflower seeds. Serve warm with extra lemon.
Chef Tips
- Chill the barley uncovered so surface moisture evaporates before toasting.
- Do not crowd the broccoli or it will steam instead of char.
- Use brown rice or wheat berries if barley is unavailable.
- Add the Parmesan off heat so it stays savory and creamy.
Cook's Notes
- **Barley:** Dry chilled grains well so they toast instead of steam.
- **Broccoli:** Keep florets small for quick, even charring.
- **Finish:** Add lemon and Parmesan off the hottest burner for a fresh flavor.