Serves: 10
Total Calories: 148

1 cup pearl barley
1/4 cup butter or margarine
4 cups onions coarsely chopped
3 cups water
1 tablespoon beef bouillon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup half and half
2 tablespoons parsley chopped
Salt and pepper
4 ounces Swiss cheese shredded

In a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, stir barley for 3 minutes or until lightly browned (do not overcook). Add butter or margarine, stir until butter or margarine is melted.

Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes or until onions are transparent. Stir in 2 cups of the water, bouillon granules and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Add remaining 1 cup water, cover and simmer 30 minutes longer or until barley is tender.

Lightly grease a shallow 2-quart baking dish. Remove barley mixture from heat. Stir in half-and-half and parsley. Taste for additional salt and pepper. Spread evenly in baking dish.

Preheat oven to 350°. Uncover baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle top with cheese and bake 10 minutes longer or until barley mixture is bubbly and cheese is melted.

MW To Microwave: In a 12 x 8 x 2-inch glass baking dish, place butter or margarine. Microwave at 100% power (700 watts) for 1 minute or until melted. Add barley microwave at 100% power for 3 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring after each minute. Add onions and microwave at 100% power for 4 minutes or until onions are transparent, stirring once. Add 2 cups of the water, bouillon granules and salt stir. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, piercing to allow steam to escape. Microwave at 100% power for 5 minutes or until boiling. Microwave at 30% power (210 watts) for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Add remaining 1 cup water, cover and microwave at 30% power 30 minutes longer or until barley is tender, stirring every 10 minutes. Stir in half-and-half and parsley. Taste for additional salt and pepper. Sprinkle top with cheese. Microwave at 30% power for 5 minutes or until barley mixture is bubbly and cheese is melted.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 10
Total Calories: 148
Calories from Fat: 92

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