Browning the barley before cooking it gives this dish a nutty flavor similar to brown rice pilaf. Try this delightfully chewy dish instead of rice tonight.

This dish is an excellent accompaniment to almost any Asian entrée. Add some chicken, shrimp, beef, or pork cooked without salt to transform it into a main dish.

Quick-cooking brown rice makes this a fast side dish to serve with lean roasted beef or pork.

The nutty flavor of the brown rice combined with the skillet-toasted walnuts gives this side dish a warmth and earthiness that's particularly complementary to autumn and winter entrées.