WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS Hearty pearl barley holds its own against the sweet earthiness of beets and their sturdy greens. Pearl barley has had its outer husk removed, exposing the starchy interior, which helps create a velvety sauce when simmered. We stirred raw grated beets into the barley—half at the beginning for a base of flavor, and half at the end for freshness and color. Do not substitute hulled, hull-less, quick-cooking, or presteamed barley for the pearl barley. You can use the large holes of a box grater or a food processor fitted with a shredding disk to shred the beets.
Serves 6
TOTAL TIME: 1 hour 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound beets with greens attached, beets trimmed, peeled, and shredded, greens stemmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (2 cups)
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- 1½ cups pearl barley, rinsed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or ¼ teaspoon dried
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
INSTRUCTIONS
- Bring broth and water to simmer in medium saucepan. Reduce heat to lowest setting and cover to keep warm.
- Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add half of grated beets, onion, and ¾ teaspoon salt and cook until vegetables are softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in barley and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in wine and cook until fully absorbed, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in 3 cups warm broth. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed and bottom of pan is dry, 22 to 25 minutes.
- Stir in 2 cups warm broth and simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed and bottom of pan is dry, 15 to 18 minutes.
- Add beet greens and continue to cook, stirring often and adding remaining broth as needed to prevent pan bottom from becoming dry, until greens are softened and barley is cooked through but still somewhat firm in center, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Off heat, stir in remaining grated beets and Parmesan.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with parsley.
- Serve.
