- Place the barley in a medium glass bowl and add water to cover by 2 inches; cover and let stand at room temperature 8 hours or overnight.
- Combine drained barley and 4 cups water in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes or until barley is tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until done; remove pan from heat and transfer bacon to a paper-towel lined plate. Crumble bacon when crisp. Discard all but 2 teaspoons of bacon drippings.
- Return skillet with reserved bacon drippings to heat. Add red onion and cook 2 minutes or until softened. Add reserved barley; cook 2 minutes or until barley is heated through, stirring frequently.
- Add salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar; stir to combine. Stir in arugula and cook 1 minute or until wilted. Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon.
Banner Image:
BaconBarleyArugula.JPG
Ingredients:
1 cup hulled barley
4 cups water
2 slices center-cut bacon
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1 cup lightly packed arugula
Active time:
30 minutes + overnight
Nutrition:
Calories: 220, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 400g, Carbohydrate: 36g, Fiber: 8g, Protein: 7g
Description:
Smoky bacon and pleasantly sharp arugula round out this hearty side dish.
Serving Size:
about 2/3 cup
