Skip to main content
Epicurious
Bon Appétit

Barley, Cauliflower, and Herbs with Burrata

By Ignacio Mattos

4.7

(4)

Image may contain Plant Food Dish Meal Produce and Vegetable
Barley, Cauliflower, and Herbs with BurrataChristopher Baker

A virtuous, herby grain salad with a heart of indulgent butterfat. We love the white-on-white effect of using barley, but it's delicious with basically any whole grain; try wheat berries or spelt.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup pearl, hulled, or hull-less barley
Kosher salt
1/4 cup fine fresh breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 cups whole milk
1 cup finely chopped cauliflower
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped celery hearts, plus 1/4 cup finely chopped leaves
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley stems
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
8 ounces burrata or fresh mozzarella, torn
1 tablespoon crème fraîche
Coarsely ground black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook barley in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender, 15–20 minutes for pearl, 35–40 for hulled or hull-less. Drain and spread out on a rimmed baking sheet; let cool.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, toss breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon oil on another rimmed baking sheet; season with salt. Bake, tossing once, until golden brown, 10–12 minutes; let cool.

    Step 3

    Bring milk to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; season with salt. Add cauliflower and cook until just softened, about 3 minutes; drain well. Discard milk.

    Step 4

    Toss cauliflower, barley, breadcrumbs, shallot, celery hearts, celery leaves, parsley, parsley stems, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vinegar in a bowl; season salad with salt.

    Step 5

    Mix burrata and crème fraîche in a medium bowl; season with salt. Divide burrata mixture among plates, drizzle with oil, and top with barley salad; season with pepper.

    Step 6

    DO AHEAD: Barley can be cooked 1 day ahead; cover and chill. Breadcrumbs can be toasted 1 day ahead; store airtight at room temperature.

TagsSaladGrain BowlPilafBarleyRice & GrainsCauliflowerVegetableBurrataCheeseDairyCelerySideDinnerNut FreeGluten FreeVegetarianWeeknight MealsMake AheadBon Appétit

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App This Week
Like “absolutely decadent” chocolate pudding and fattoush salad.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Apple-Walnut Charoset
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in March
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
13 Types of Nuts and How to Cook With Them
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
How to Thaw Fish Fast
The most efficient method takes less than an hour, but you might not even need it.