BARLEY VEGETABLE PILAF

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp salted butter
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 1/2 cups pearl barley
• 4 cups canned chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf*
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 2 tsp grated lemon peel
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add barley and sauté for 3 minutes. Add broth, bay leaf and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until barley is almost tender, about 25 minutes.
3. Stir in carrot, red pepper and lemon peel. Cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed and barley and vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf. Stir in parsley.