This recipe comes from Eat & Tell’s Annette Tomei. Its a healthy version of comfort food to help you keep your New Year’s resolution (and its loaded with aphrodisiac ingredients). Annette sometimes uses pear in place of apple for an even juicier flavor sensation.
makes 4-5 servings
2 c diced, peeled apples
2 tbsp butter
salt and pepper
1/4 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
2 c chicken stock
2 tbsp and 2 tsp butter
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 cllove garlic, minced
rounded 2/3 c pearl barley, rinsed, drained
1 1/2 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1. Brown the apples in butter in a large sauté pan. Season with salt, pepper and fresh thyme. Set aside.
2. Bring broth to simmer in saucepan. Reduce heat to low and cover to keep warm.
3. Melt butter in large sauce pan. Add onion and garlic, sauté until tender.
4. Add barley, stir until coated with butter, about 1 minute.
5. Add broth a little at a time; simmer, stirring often, until broth is absorbed.
6. Add remaining broth in the same manner, allowing broth to be absorbed before adding more and stirring frequently until barley is tender, but still firm to bite, about 40 to 50 minutes.
7. Add apples and Parmesan cheese, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
