Oriental Garden Pilaf

One thing about our veggie/whole grain cooking quest that I have really enjoyed is finding new grains to cook with. I bought a box of "Mother's Quick Cooking Barley" (I think I got it at the Good Earth) and on the back was this recipe. Since it was more a side dish, I served it with grilled chicken which I briefly marinated in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil and a little brown sugar, to go along with the "oriental" flavors. It was a great dinner and I loved the barley texture of the pilaf.

Oriental Garden Pilaf
1 1/3 c chicken broth
2/3 c Mother's Quick Cooking Barley
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 c thinly sliced carrots
1/2 c thinly sliced celery
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 c sliced mushrooms
1/4 c sliced green onions
1 to 2 Tbsp soy sauce

In medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in barley, reduce heat and cover. Simmer 10 to 12 minutes until tender. In large skillet, heat oil. Cook carrots, celery and garlic over medium-high heat 3-5 minutes. Add mushrooms and green onions; continue cooking one minute. Add cooked barley and soy sauce. Mix well and continue cooking until heated through.
4 servings.