Barley with Mushrooms and Shallots

Barley is a chewy, nutty grain that reminds me of my childhood. I recall sitting at my grandmother’s table with a bowl of vegetable soup dotted with pearl barley. It gave the soup substance and texture, not to mention fiber and nutrition.

I add barley to my black bean chili, and even to salads which makes eating a plate of lettuce much more filling. Barley is a nutritional choice to include in a gr…