Vegetable Barley Pilaf

Ingredients

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

Method

1. 1 Place a medium pan over medium heat. Add vegetable oil, onion, and celery. Cook, stirring often, until onion is soft.
2. 2 Add bell pepper (if using), mushrooms, and pearl barley. Stir well to combine.
3. 3 Add water and bouillon. Stir to dissolve bouillon completely. Bring to a boil.
4. 4 Lower heat, cover pan, and cook for 50 to 60 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed.