Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Barley & Mushrooms

Barley & Mushrooms from the Cooking for Baby book.

I made barley & mushrooms with hopes that Drew would not like it so that I could eat all the leftovers! This is a very adult flavor and would go great as a side dish steak or chicken. But alas, he gobbled up every last bite!

1/2 cup pearl barley
1 Tbsp butter
1 clove of garlic, minced
6 oz cremini mushrooms, finely chopped (about two cups)
1 cup low sodium broth (I used chicken)
1/3 cup of water
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp thyme (I used dried)

In a dry saucepan, over medium heat, toast the barley. Make sure to stir it often. Cook until brown, about three minutes. Transfer it to a bowl. In the same saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook until it is aromatic, about one minute. Stir in the mushrooms and cook until tender, about three minutes. Stir in the toasted barley, stock, water, salt, pepper and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until barley is tender; about 30-35 minutes.
*Make sure to watch this. I didn't pay that much attention and it ran out of liquid, making much of the barley stick and burn. Luckily I was able to salvage enough of it. Just add more water if need be.

Depending on your child's age and ability, serve it as is or puree it (adding water) for a coarse puree. It will refrigerate (in an airtight container) for up to 3 days.

Barnes, Lisa. Cooking for Baby. Gold Street Press, page 65.

3 comments:

  1. What an interesting combo! Never would have thought of that!

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  2. Im at work right now so I cannot look, but how old does baby have to be for mushroom? Thanks!

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  3. In my book, the recipe was for 9 months & up. Drew is 9 1/2 months right now.

    According to wholsomebabyfood.com:
    Most often we are asked about Onions, Mushrooms, Celery, Leeks and Peppers.

    These veggies may be sautéed and added to your child's food between 8-10 months old. We do not recommend offering your baby an onion, mushroom, celery or a pepper puree rather we recommend that you add these wonderful veggies to food dishes. Should you decide to offer your baby onions, mushrooms, celery and peppers, please ensure that they are fully cooked, soft, and appropriately sized so as not to pose any choking hazard!

    It is most important to cook mushrooms for your baby's food. Mushrooms as we all know are fungi and cooking helps ensure their safety!

    These veggies do not pose a high allergy risk however there may be certain digestive issues in a sensitive or delicate tummy. We think that these veggies are best served in soups, casseroles, noodle/rice dishes. Our babies loved sautéed mushrooms with sauteed spinach! This would be for the older baby (10 months +) due mostly to the spinach!

    http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/babyfoodexotics.htm

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