Barley & Wild Rice Pilaf with Pomegranate Seeds

Ingredients (use vegan versions):

• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 1/2 cup pearl barley
• 3 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest, preferably organic
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened. Add wild rice and barley; stir for a few seconds. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the wild rice and barley are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 45 to 50 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, toast pine nuts in a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until light golden and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl to cool.

3. Add pomegranate seeds, lemon zest, parsley and toasted pine nuts to the pilaf; fluff with a fork. Serve hot.

Serves: 5

Preparation time: 20 min