Barley And Herb Stuffed Vegetables Recipes

BARLEY-STUFFED CABBAGE

Steps:

• Cook barley according to package directions.
• Pull off and discard any wilted or coarse outer cabbage leaves.
• Cut out core to a depth of about 3 inches.
• Parboil cabbage in a large kettle of salted boiling water for about 15 mins, or until leaves are soft enough to be pliable.
• Carefully cut out the tough part of the rib from each leaf.
• Saute onion in shortening until soft. Add mushrooms and lemon juice; saute 3 minutes
• Season with paprika, salt and pepper. Add cooked barley and parsley and mix well.
• Spoon 1 or more large spoonfuls of stuffing onto each leaf, the exact amount depending on the leaf's size.
• Roll up and fold in edges to securely enclose stuffing. Secure with toothpicks or tie with string.
• Place in a kettle. Cover with bouillon and cook slowly, covered, about 1 1/2 hours, or until leaves are tender.
• Remove stuffed leaves and keep warm. Stir flour into drippings and cook, stirring, until smooth.
• Add sour cream and dill and heat through. Pour sauce over stuffed leaves.

BARLEY-STUFFED PEPPERS

Steps:

• Cut tops off peppers; remove seeds. In a large kettle, blanch peppers in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water; set aside. In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage, onion and garlic until onion is tender and sausage is no longer pink; drain. Stir in tomato sauce, barley, thyme, salt and pepper; heat through. Spoon into peppers; place in an ungreased 8-in. square baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender and filling is hot.

BARLEY AND HERB-STUFFED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Cut away the tops of the peppers, then gently remove the seeds and membranes. If using squash, cut into 2-inch lengths. With a grapefruit spoon, scoop out the middle to within about 1/2 inch of the edges, leaving about 1/2 inch on the bottom.
• Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, wide saucepan or lidded skillet. Add the onion and pine nuts. Cook, stirring, until the onion is tender and beginning to color, about eight minutes. Add the garlic. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to a minute. Stir in the currants or yellow raisins, cinnamon, allspice and sugar. Stir together, then add 1/2 cup water. Cook, stirring, until most of the liquid has evaporated, about five minutes. Add the barley, salt to taste and some pepper. Remove from the heat, and stir in the herbs. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
• Stuff the peppers and/or squash with the barley mixture. Stand the vegetables in a wide, lidded pan. Mix together the water, olive oil and lemon juice, and pour over and around the vegetables. Bring to a simmer, and cover the pan. Simmer for 40 to 50 minutes until the vegetables are very tender and there is just a small amount of liquid and oil in the pan. Remove the lid, and allow to cool in the pan. Arrange on a platter, drizzle any liquid from the pan over the filling, garnish with lemon wedges and serve.