Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.
Asparagus And Barley Pilaf
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- #67565

ingredients
1 cup quick-cooking barley
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can (14 ounce size) chicken or vegetable broth
8 ounces fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1/4 cup shredded Asiago cheese or Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup snipped fresh basil
directions
In a large saucepan cook barley in hot olive oil over medium heat about 5 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring often. Add onion, butter, and garlic; cook until onion is tender.
In a small saucepan heat broth. Slowly add 3/4 cup of the broth to barley mixture, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir over medium heat until liquid is absorbed. Add another 1/2 cup of the broth, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir until the liquid is absorbed. Add another 1/2 cup of the broth; cook and stir until liquid is almost all absorbed.
Add asparagus and carrot; continue cooking until all the liquid is absorbed and the barley is tender. (Should take about 30 minutes total.)
Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and basil; season to taste with salt and ground black pepper.
added by
Madison, Fort Wayne, Indiana USA
nutrition data
What's the secret ingredient in these cakes? Pudding mix. It not only adds flavor but it gives the cake a richer, creamier texture. No one will know your secret ingredient!
In a cooking rut? Try one of these taste-tested, family-approved recipes using ground beef.

see more rice pilaf recipes

reviews & comments
April 6, 2010
I will make this again. Nice Texture/Flavor. Healthy, even. I liked it hot better than cold, but it is a good "salad" option for a get together too.