Delicious Mushroom Squash & Barley Pie: A Hearty and Flavorful Recipe for Home Cooks
There’s something comforting about a warm pie that feels like a hug. Whether you’re having a cozy evening at home or hosting a weekend family gathering, Mushroom Squash & Barley Pie is a delightful treat that combines tasty textures and flavors. This dish is not just filling; it’s also packed with nutrients. With a flavorful mix of mushrooms, squash, and pearl barley, it embodies the essence of wholesome eating.
This versatile recipe uses the earthiness of mushrooms, the sweetness of squash, and the nutty flavor of barley, making it perfect for both vegetarians and meat lovers. Let’s explore how to whip up this delicious pie right in your kitchen!
Ingredients You'll Need
To prepare your Mushroom Squash & Barley Pie, you will need:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large red onion, finely diced
300 grams mushrooms, sliced (try using a mix of button and shiitake for added flavor)
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 tablespoons plain flour
150 grams pearl barley
1 vegetable stock cube, dissolved in 1 liter of water
100 grams soft cheese (like cream cheese or ricotta)
250 grams diced squash (butternut squash works beautifully)
1/2 savoy cabbage, cored and shredded
15 grams fresh parsley, chopped
6 sheets filo pastry
1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
Gathering these ingredients prepares you for a delightful cooking adventure!
Preparing the Filling
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an ovenproof dish or a deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sliced mushrooms, sautéing for about 6-8 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Did you know that mushrooms are about 90% water? Sautéing them well enhances their flavor and brings out their natural sugars.
Next, add the crushed garlic and cook for an additional minute. Sprinkle the plain flour over the mushroom mixture and stir until it’s fully integrated. This step thickens the filling, giving it a rich texture.
Cooking the Barley
Preheat your oven to gas mark 6 (200°C or 180°C fan). Now, bring in the pearl barley. Stir the barley into your dish, and pour in the vegetable stock. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer, stirring regularly for about 20 minutes. During this time, the barley absorbs the flavors and puffs up nicely.
If you notice that the liquid is evaporating too quickly before the barley is tender, add about 100 milliliters of water to keep it from sticking. Cooking the barley not only enhances its flavor but also adds dietary fiber, which is great for digestive health.
Once the barley is tender but still slightly firm, stir in the soft cheese, diced squash, shredded cabbage, and chopped parsley. Allow this to simmer for another 5 minutes until everything combines nicely.
Assembling the Pie
If your dish isn’t ovenproof, transfer the filling to a pie dish at this point. Now is when you can get creative with the filo pastry. Crumple the six sheets of pastry and lay them on top of the filling, allowing their edges to fold and peak for a rustic look. A single layer enhances the crispiness of the crust.
Brush the top of the pastry with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil for a beautiful golden finish.
Baking Your Delicious Pie
Place your assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. The delightful aroma filling your kitchen is already a solid reason to indulge in a slice.
While your pie bakes, prepare the broccoli florets by boiling them for 4-6 minutes until tender, then draining. This vibrant vegetable adds a burst of color and nutrients to your plate.
Serving Suggestions
Once the pie is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps the filling settle, making it easier to slice. Serve generous slices of the pie alongside the tender broccoli florets.
This dish is visually inviting and offers a medley of flavors: the rich umami from the mushrooms, the sweet notes of the squash, and the creaminess from the cheese blend together beautifully.
Your Next Culinary Adventure
The Mushroom Squash & Barley Pie is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that highlights wholesome ingredients and the joy of home cooking. With this beautiful combination of flavors and textures, this dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week.
Try making this delightful pie and enjoy the compliments from family and friends as they savor each bite. Whether you stick to the recipe or modify it to suit your taste preferences, this heartwarming pie is sure to become a staple in your home.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start cooking this nourishing Mushroom Squash & Barley Pie today!
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