Creamy Barley With Tomatoes and Greens

This sounded fantastic to me but turned out pretty average, if maybe a little weird. First, I couldn't find quick cooking barley so I used regular barley and just cooked it first, then added it with the other ingredients. I also forgot to buy diced tomatoes, so I just chopped up some grape tomatoes. Other than that, I followed the recipe and thought it was just OK. The mustard greens were a little weird for us (although we love mustard) and I didn't think the addition of the cheese did much to the dish overall. I probably won't make this again.

I had a hard time envisioning how this would turn out, considering the components, but it was a delicious leap of faith. I used about twice the amount of cheese, added some herbs (which were definitely missing from the recipe! Thyme and oregano, plus a little garlic worked for me), and served with a side of yellow squash & zucchini steamed with fresh thyme and olive oil. It was outstanding. The only thing I forgot was to have some delicious French bread with it!

I pulled this recipe out of the Real Simple last year and finally a year later, decided to make it. I omitted the wine and parm cheese. Wish it had been a little creamier but the calorie count on the brie was shocking. So I tried to limit the amount I used. . Overall, it was yummy but I'll be looking into some alternatives to make it creamy and try and reduce the calories.

I made this dish tonight and it was okay. Little bland but I tried to cut fat/calories by not using wine. I used 3/4 cp veggie broth instead. I also skipped the parm. I used lots of spinach instead of the mustard greens. I think basil would taste good in it too, but I didn't have any. Definitely a good "comfort food" dish.

I had the same reaction. I've made this a few times, and never use the extra cheeses. I mix in just the 1/2 cup of Fat-free parm. I also skip adding salt, and use reduced sodium tomatoes. I think it tastes great, but then again, I'm not a big fan of anything super creamy or salty. Word of warning (this is a bit of TMI) but there is A LOT of fiber in this recipe. If you eat this as a main dish, do not have it for lunch the next day if you don't have plenty of access to a restroom.

Very good! Better wit a little spice - try some pepper flakes. Make 5-6 servings.

the amount of cheese is causing the fat and sodium levels to be so high. you could try decreasing the amount of cheese that the recipe calls for, but it will alter the taste a bit. however, each serving has 21 g of fiber and 23 g of protein, so one serving of this dish will make you pretty full. if the fat content is still too high for you, try serving it as a side dish rather than the main course. you could serve it along side a large salad or chicken/beef, so the overall serving size would be smaller.

This sounds so good, but I'm appalled at the fat & sodium numbers..anyone have any suggestions on making it healthier ? I am not familiar with Taleggio ..could something else be substituted there ?

I made this with regular barley as well, and I have to say that the barley water infused the sauce a little too much on the bitter side. It was okay-but not a GREAT meal.

Can I substitute the Taleggio or Brie cheese for another cheese?

Made it last night. Could not find quick cooking barley @ the store so used regular barley and just cooked it for about 40 minutes before adding it per the recipe's instructions and it worked out just fine. VERY filing and VERY tasty!!!!!! Tons left over (only two of us ate). Would be a great side dish, or brown bag lunch too. Yum!!!!!

I made this tonight for dinner and it was very simple and delicious.