Barley / Mushroom / Green Bean / Tofu “Stir Fry”

Marinate and bake the tofu, cook the barley, sauté the mushrooms, cook the green beans, toss it all together and you have a great  tasting dinner!  This requires several steps, but it is well worth it.

Barley / Mushroom / Green Bean  / Tofu “Stir Fry”                        1.  Drain 1 14 oz package extra firm tofu.  Cut into 1 inch  cubes and place in a shallow baking dish. 2.  Combine the following ingredients and pour over tofu;  let sit for 25 minutes: 2 tablespoon brown sugar 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 1 teaspoon sesame oil 2 garlic cloves, diced 3.  Bake marinated tofu at 375°F for 35 minutes,  turning after 15 minutes.  Cool completely.   (I usually do this in the morning before I leave the house.) 4.  In a large and heavy frying pan, toast barley over  medium heat until lightly toasted: 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 cup uncooked barley 5.  To toasted barley, add the following, bring to a boil,  cover and cook for 45 minutes or until tender. 5 cups water ½ teaspoon salt 6. Cook 1 pound green beans in boiling water for 4 minutes.  Drain, plunge into cold water, and pat dry or…..buy the  Green Line Quick and Easy brand and microwave the green  beans in bag according to the directions – 4 minutes was perfect for me. 7.  Sauté 2 packages of sliced Baby Bella mushrooms in  2 tablespoons Earth Balance non-hydrogenated margarine. 8. In a large serving bowl combine toasted barley, tofu,  green beans, and mushrooms.