Toasted-Barley Mashed Potatoes

Contributed by Cary Neff

These simple, hearty mashed potatoes owe their rich creaminess to buttermilk and their appealing texture to toasted pearl barley.

1/2 cup pearl barley
4 fresh thyme sprigs
1 pound red or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/2 cup low-fat (1.5%) buttermilk, warmed
3 cups Vegetable Stock or chicken stock, or 2 cups canned chicken broth mixed with 1 cup of water
Salt and freshly ground pepper

In a medium saucepan, cook the barley over moderately high heat, stirring frequently, until toasted, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the Vegetable Stock and thyme and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 35 minutes. Drain the barley. Discard the thyme sprigs.
Meanwhile, in another medium saucepan, cover the potatoes with water. Bring to a boil over moderate heat and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain, return to the pan and keep warm.
Pass the hot potatoes through a ricer or food mill or mash with a potato masher. Stir in the barley and warm buttermilk, season with salt and pepper and serve.

Notes One Serving Calories 203 kcal, Protein 6 gm, Carbohydrate 41 gm, Cholesterol 1.9 mg, Total Fat 1.9 gm, Saturated Fat .3 gm.