Creamy Barley with Tomatoes, Chicken, and Spinach

creamy-barley-tomatoes-chicken-spinach-whole-grain-health-recipe
https://easykitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/creamy-barley-tomatoes-chicken-spinach-whole-grain-health-recipe-150x150.jpg
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Prep: 30 minutes

Ingredients

2tablespoons olive oil
1large onion, chopped
2cups quick cooking barley
1can diced tomatoes (28 oz)
1cup dry white wine or dry vermouth
2 1/2cups water
1large chicken breast, raw or cooked, diced (or 2 medium chicken breasts)
8cups baby spinach
1/2cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Coat the bottom of large saucepan or Dutch oven with olive oil and place it over medium heat. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper, and saute until the onion softens, about 7 minutes.
  2. Add the barley, tomatoes, wine or vermouth, and water and bring to a boil. If using raw chicken, add it now. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the barley is tender, about 15 minutes. Check the package directions of your particular barley for suggested simmering time. If using cooked chicken, add it now.
  3. Add the spinach and parmesan cheese. Cook until the spinach wilts and the cheese is melted. Serve with more parmesan sprinkled on top.

Recipe courtesy of Kate Winnebeck who lives in Rochester, New York with her husband and newborn son. Her blog Kitchen Trial and Error, focuses on the messes and successes that occur in her kitchen while preparing simple and delicious meals and treats for her family.