Barley Bliss with Kale and Mushrooms: A Nourishing Whole Food Plant-Based Recipe - Therapeutic Thursday Recipe
*Jump to full recipe card here.There’s a special kind of comfort in starting your day with a warm,
nourishing meal, and Barley Bliss with Kale and Mushrooms delivers exactly
that. This easy, quick, and healthy barley recipe brings together the earthy
richness of mushrooms, the vibrant nutrition of kale, and the ancient-grain
goodness of barley to create a dish that feels both grounding and energizing.
If you’re looking for a whole food plant-based breakfast, a wholesome
lunch, or an easy vegan dinner idea, this recipe is a delicious reminder that
eating well doesn’t have to be complicated. Pearl barley simmered in vegetable
broth combines beautifully with tender sautéed mushrooms and kale, creating a
flavorful, fiber-rich meal that fuels your body with intention and balance.
Whether served as a cozy morning bowl, a satisfying side dish, or a nourishing weekday entrée, Barley Bliss with Kale and Mushrooms is a versatile and delicious whole-grain recipe your family will love. It quickly became a favorite in our home, and in our Food Coach rating system, it earns a Yellow Dot rating, signifying a healthy, well-balanced meal designed with therapeutic nutrition in mind.
How to Make Barley Bliss with Kale and
Mushrooms
Cook up a wholesome, plant-powered meal with this simple and delicious mushroom
and kale sauté with barley.
Instructions
1. Cook pearl barley
according to package directions (using vegetable broth adds extra flavor).
2. While the barley
cooks, heat 1 tsp olive oil in a pan and add sliced mushrooms and kale.
3. Sauté over medium
heat and season with garlic salt (a garlic–onion salt blend works wonderfully).
4. Cook until all
liquid evaporates and the vegetables become tender. Turn off the heat and cover the
pan.
5. When the barley is
finished, add it to the mushroom–kale mixture and sauté until everything is
well combined.
Serve warm. Goes well with whole-grain toast and your favorite jelly. Enjoy and eat with intention, responsibility, and confidence.
Recipe Notes
- 1 cup dry pearl
barley + 2 cups vegetable broth (rice cooker method) yields about 2 cups
of cooked barley.
- Soak barley
ahead of time for a softer texture.
- This recipe makes a great healthy breakfast, and my family loved it!
Recipe Profile
Whole grains • Plant-based • Ancient grains • Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Great as a side or main dish • Yellow Dot-rated in our Food Coach rating system
Therapeutic Health Benefits
This plant-based whole grain recipe is moderate in calories and provides a well-balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and dietary fiber. The fiber from barley, mushrooms, and kale offers an ideal combination of soluble and insoluble fiber, supporting:
- healthy
digestion
- weight
management
- blood sugar
regulation
- heart health
(soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol)
The prebiotic properties of fiber also nourish beneficial gut bacteria, promoting improved bowel function and overall digestive wellness.
Nutritionally, Barley Bliss with Kale and Mushrooms is rich in B vitamins, copper, and selenium:
- B vitamins support energy
metabolism
- Copper plays a key
role in red blood cell formation
- Selenium is a powerful
antioxidant that strengthens immunity and supports thyroid health
Each serving provides approximately 15% of the daily iron and 20% of the daily potassium requirements on a 2,000-calorie diet, making this dish deeply nourishing and supportive of overall wellness.
With its Yellow Dot rating in our Food Coach system, this recipe is recognized as a balanced, therapeutic meal that promotes healthy, mindful eating.
- healthy
digestion
Disclaimer! Please note that this page is not medical advice. It offers only general guidance for a healthy and balanced diet. This food does not guarantee an adequate or safe intake level for any individual. Please consult your healthcare provider and explore our Medical Nutrition Therapy services for a meal plan tailored to your needs.