Monday, June 29, 2009

Eggs Over Barley

In conjunction with Penny Pinching Parent, we're trying out a new series on Itty Bitty Bistro: Itty Bitty Budget! I'm working up some recipes that are kid-friendly and achieve maximum nutrition on minimum budget. Check out the post at Penny Pinching Parent to see the pricing breakdown!

Eggs are a great, cheap protein - and my favorite way to stretch any protein is by combining it with a whole grain. For kids who like rice, barley is a nice change of pace - and it provides a good source of fiber, B-vitamins, and minerals. The onion is too often overlooked as a veggie - it's full of antioxidants, fiber, folate, and even vitamin C!

Eggs Over Barley
(sigh... that really doesn't photograph well!)

1 cup pearled barley, rinsed
4 cups water
1 large Vidalia onion, chopped
2 tsp olive oil
salt and pepper
6 eggs

In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the barley and bring back to a boil. Lower heat and simmer, covered, for about 45 minutes - until barley is tender. Drain excess water.

While the barley is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat to low-medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, until onions are soft and slightly caramelized. Whisk eggs in a small bowl; add to hot skillet. Cook, stirring to scramble, until eggs are cooked, about 5 minutes.

Serve barley topped with the eggs, accompanied by a crisp green salad.

If you like the combination of eggs and caramelized onion, try Cheese, Egg, and Caramelized Onion Quesadillas - they have become one of our go-to quick and easy dinners!

5 comments:

Penny Pinching Parent said...

Thank you all so much for the opportunity to work together and for putting together such a wonderful new series.

As a "penny pinching parent," I am looking forward to trying out these yummy, budget friendly creations.

All the best and thanks again-

Sonya- Penny Pinching Parent

Unknown said...

Great post! I like the cost breakdown on Penny Pinching Parent!

MaryAnne said...

I love this idea, and I'm looking forward to your future posts on this topic!

jenna said...

never tried eggs with barley, although i often serve eggs on salad night to make it a meatless meal. i usually think of barley as a soup filler. thanks for the idea.

Commonplace iris said...

My daughter (almost 3) loves scrambled eggs. I should try it with barley - it was one of her favourite first foods but I haven't made it in a long time. We usually have scrambled egg on couscous (I often cook the couscous in chicken stock but she likes it plain) and she often helps to cook it. We also mix in a handful of frozen peas.