Barley with Smoked Ham and Peas

My husband really enjoyed this dish…”Everything we like”.  You can also use ‘Quick barley’…cook it about 15-20 minutes – it makes the same amount as the pearl barley.  We eat this as a main dish with a nice salad, maybe with a little protein like cheese in the salad.  We get the sage from our herb garden pots, fresh or home-dried.

Barley with Smoked Ham and Peas

  3        Cups  Water

  1        Cup  Pearl Barley -- uncooked

     ½    Teaspoon  Salt

  2        Slices  Bacon

  3        Ounces  Smoked Ham -- cut in thin strips

  1        Medium  Onion -- finely chopped

  10      Ounces  Frozen Green Peas 

  2        Tablespoons  Chicken Broth

  4        Each  Fresh Sage Leaves -- minced or 1/4 tsp. dried and crushed

     ½    Teaspoon  Fresh Marjoram -- minced or 1/8 tsp. dried

Prepare barley with water and salt as package directs, until liquid is absorbed.

Cook bacon until crispy; remove and set aside; reserve drippings in skillet.

Cook ham and onion in skillet until lightly browned.  Add peas, cook 2-3 minutes.  Add reserved barley, chicken broth and seasonings.  Heat through over medium heat, stirring occasionally.  Sprinkle with crumbled bacon.

6 Servings

  "Southern Living Homestyle Cooking"