Barley with Brussels Sprouts, Spinach, and Edamame

By loritot

This take on fried rice has less saturated fat, but more protein and fiber.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup hulled barley
• 1 cup frozen edamame beans
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 pound small brussels sprouts (about 10), trimmed and thinly sliced
• 1 bunch spinach (about 1 pound), stems removed
• 1/2 cup cashews, coarsely chopped
• Crushed red pepper

Details

Servings 2
Adapted from wholeliving.com

Preparation

Step 1

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil. Add the barley, cover, and simmer until just tender, about 40 minutes. Add the edamame beans, stir, and cover; continue cooking until barley is tender and edamame is bright green, about 5 minutes more. Remove from heat and fluff barley with a fork.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook ginger and garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the brussels sprouts and cook, stirring, until bright green and tender, about 2 minutes.
3. Add remaining tablespoon oil to the pan. Add the spinach and cashews to the pan, and cook until the spinach has wilted, about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in barley and edamame. Season to taste with salt and crushed red pepper.