Description
This Lemon Herb Turkey & Barley Bake is a comforting one-pan meal that combines lean ground turkey, hearty barley, and vibrant vegetables. Infused with fresh lemon and aromatic herbs, it offers a bright, refreshing flavor perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 1 cup (190 g) pearl barley
- 4 cups (960 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a hot start for the bake, which helps in even cooking.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add 2 cloves garlic, minced and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Incorporate the 1 lb ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the 2 medium carrots, diced and 2 stalks celery, diced. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the veggies to soften slightly.
- Add the 1 cup pearl barley, 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1 lemon, zested and juiced. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Once the barley is cooked, stir in the 1 cup frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, fold in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy finish.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes, allowing the top to crisp slightly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: To enhance the flavors, consider marinating the ground turkey in lemon zest and juice for 30 minutes before cooking. For a gluten-free option, replace pearl barley with brown rice or quinoa, adjusting cooking times accordingly.