Ingredients

  • 3 cups water
  • 3/4 cup medium pearl barley
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 large shallots, peeled and minced
  • 8 cups mixed wild mushrooms, like portobellos and shiitakes, cut into large cubes
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 4 large portobello mushrooms
  • 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley

Method

  • Bring the water to a boil in a medium-size saucepan.
  • Stir in the barley, lower the heat, cover and simmer until tender, about 50 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup broth in a large skillet over medium heat until it simmers.
  • Add the shallots and stir until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the mushroom cubes and 1/4 cup of broth.
  • Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
  • Pour in 1 cup of broth and stir, scraping the bottom of the skillet.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced to a sauce consistency, about 15 minutes.
  • Stir in the sage, rosemary, salt and pepper.
  • Stir in the barley.
  • Keep warm.
  • Preheat the broiler.
  • Brush both sides of the portobellos with the remaining 1/4 cup chicken broth.
  • Season the underside lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Broil until softened, about 2 minutes per side.
  • Place 1 mushroom on each of 4 plates and spoon the barley mixture over them.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.