Ham, Barley And Almond Bake

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 tablespoon margarine or butter
1 cup uncooked barley
1 cup chopped carrots
1 bunch green onions sliced
2 celery ribs sliced
3 garlic cloves minced
1 pound lean smoked ham cubed
2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
2 cans reduced-sodium beef broth - (14 oz ea)
1/2 pound fresh green beans cut 1 pieces

Yield: 

8 Servings

Method: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 13- by 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread almonds in single layer on baking sheet. Bake 5 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently.

Melt margarine in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add barley, carrots, onions, celery and garlic; cook and stir 2 minutes or until onions are tender. Remove from heat. Stir in ham, almonds, basil, oregano and pepper. Pour into prepared dish.

Add broth to medium saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Pour over barley mixture. Cover tightly with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven; stir in green beans. Bake, covered, 30 minutes or until barley is tender.

This recipe yields 8 servings.

Exchanges Per Serving: 1 1/2 Starch, 2 Meat.

Nutrition Facts: Calories 217; Calories from Fat 27%; Total Fat 7g; Protein 17g; Carbohydrates 25g; Cholesterol 30mg; Sodium 590mg; Dietary Fiber 6g.