Creamy Mushroom Kuba

Ingredients

• 250g (9 oz) mushrooms, sliced 250g (9 oz) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup (200g) pearl barley 1 cup (200g) pearl barley
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (235ml) heavy cream 1 cup (235ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 13g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 39g, 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Stir in the pearl barley and dried thyme, coating them with the mushroom mixture.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the pearl barley is tender.
5. 5.
   Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mushrooms — Make sure to clean the mushrooms thoroughly before slicing them. You can use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe off any dirt or debris. Avoid washing them under running water as mushrooms tend to absorb water and become soggy.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense mushroom flavor, you can use a combination of different mushroom varieties, such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the sautéed mushrooms before pouring in the vegetable broth.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding other vegetables, such as peas or carrots, to the recipe.
• Serve the Creamy Mushroom Kuba with a side of fresh bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. The flavors tend to develop and become even more delicious over time.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Mushroom Kuba hot, garnished with fresh herbs, alongside a slice of crusty bread. The dish pairs well with a glass of Czech beer or a crisp white wine.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of the dish. Serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter, allowing the creamy sauce to envelop the pearl barley and mushrooms.