Fruited Barley and Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe

I have recently made a concerted effort to introduce more grains into my diet. Both healthful and delicious, this makes a lovely side dish for pork or chicken.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  teaspoons  cooking oil
• 3  tablespoons  slivered almonds or 3  tablespoons cashews
• 3  tablespoons  chopped spring onions
• 24  fluid ounces water
• 3  ounces wild rice, rinsed and drained (about 1/2 cup)
• 2  ounces pearl barley (about 1/4 cup plus 1-2 teaspoons)
• 3  tablespoons raisins
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  grated fresh ginger
• 1 1⁄2 ounces  chopped  dried fruit (one "or" a combination dates, apricots, apples, pears, cranberries "or" prunes)
• 1  teaspoon honey
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1. In a 2 qt saucepan heat oil; add almonds and spring onion. Cook and stir over medium heat till nuts are golden brown. Remove from pan; set aside.
2. Carefully add the water to pan; bring to boiling. Stir in uncooked rice, barley, raisins, and fresh ginger.
3. Return to boiling then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, or till grains are tender.
4. Stir in nut mixture, fruit, honey, salt, and nutmeg. Cook for 5 minutes more.
5. Fluff rice and grains with a fork and serve.