Pearl barley porridge with mushrooms in a pot

4 servings

120 minutes

Barley porridge with mushrooms in a pot is a traditional Russian dish filled with the rich aroma of forest mushrooms and the tenderness of fluffy barley. Once considered peasant food, barley is now valued for its nutrition and rich flavor. Mushrooms stewed with onions add depth to the dish, while baking in pots makes the porridge especially fragrant and rich. The light saltiness of soy sauce highlights the natural sweetness of the mushrooms and the tenderness of the grain, creating a harmony of flavors. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a warming lunch in cold weather.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 398
• Proteins: 12g
• Fats: 15.7g
• Carbohydrates: 55.7g

Ingredients

• Pearl barley: 270 g
• Onion: 50 g
• Frozen forest mushrooms: 400 g
• Dried mushrooms: 40 g
• Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
• Vegetable oil: 3 tbsp
• Salt: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Soak dried mushrooms in cold water.

   Required ingredients:

   • Dried mushrooms: 40 g

2. Rinse the pearl barley well. Add it to boiling water (unsalted) and bring to a boil again. Then drain the water. Pour cold water over the barley again (3 cups) and add salt. Cook until the grains boil. Then reduce the heat to minimum, cover the barley with a lid, and cook until all the water evaporates. Taste it — the grains should be soft. If they are still hard, add boiling water to the pot and cook until ready.

   Required ingredients:

   • Pearl barley: 270 g
   • Salt:  to taste

3. During this time, finely chop the onion and cut the forest mushrooms (I had frozen mushrooms). Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan and add the onion. Sauté for 5 minutes. Then, add the mushrooms, mix, and continue to sauté.

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 50 g
   • Frozen forest mushrooms: 400 g
   • Vegetable oil: 3 tablespoons

4. Wash and chop the white mushrooms. Add them to the chanterelles. Mix well and salt to taste. Reduce the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer until cooked (15-20 minutes). Preheat the oven to 220 degrees.

   Required ingredients:

   • Dried mushrooms: 40 g
   • Salt:  to taste

5. We prepare the pots. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to each pot and grease well. Distribute the cooked pearl barley into the pots. Place the prepared mushrooms on top (evenly in each pot). Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to each pot. Cover the pots with lids and send them to the oven for 30 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Vegetable oil: 3 tablespoons
   • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons

6. Take it out of the oven and serve it immediately.