Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  2        tablespoons  unsalted butter
     1/4         pound  mushrooms -- sliced
  1                     garlic clove -- minced
     1/4      teaspoon  salt -- or to taste
     1/2           cup  pearl barley
  2 1/2           cups  water
     1/4           cup  freshly grated parmesan -- or to taste
  2        tablespoons  minced fresh parsley leaves

Preparation:

In a 3-quart microwave-safe casserole with a tight-fitting lid microwave 1 tablespoon of the butter, uncovered, at high power (100%) for 1 minute, or until it is melted, stir in the mushrooms, the garlic, and the salt, and microwave the mixture, uncovered, at high power for 5 minutes. Add the barley and the water, microwave the mixture, covered, at high power for 12 minutes, and microwave it, covered, at medium power (50%) for 25 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the barley is al dente. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, cut into bits, the Parmesan, the parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Notes: Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Nutritional Information:

294 Calories (kcal); 12g Total Fat; (36% calories from fat); 6g Protein; 42g Carbohydrate; 31mg Cholesterol; 284mg Sodium