A hearty and flavorful casserole featuring barley, corn, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a comforting meal.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking right from the start.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking.
Add the garlic, onion, carrot, and celery to the skillet and sauté until softened.
Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a greased 2-quart baking dish.
Greasing the dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Add the barley, chicken broth, sage, salt, and pepper to the baking dish and mix well.
Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
Covering the dish traps steam, helping the barley cook evenly.
Remove the dish from the oven, stir in the corn and parsley, and re-cover.
Stirring ensures the corn and parsley are evenly distributed.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
Check the barley for doneness by tasting a small amount.
Serve the casserole warm and enjoy.
Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch.