Recipe: Two-Grain Vegetable Casserole (using barley and bulgur)

TWO-GRAIN VEGETABLE CASSEROLE

2 medium carrots, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 cup fresh small mushrooms, quartered
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (8 ounce) whole kernel corn, drained (or 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn)
1 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup uncooked pearl barley
1/3 cup snipped fresh parsley
1/4 cup uncooked bulgur
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
FOR SERVING:
4 medium tomatoes
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Parsley sprigs (optional)

Combine the carrots, mushrooms, beans, corn, broth, barley, parsley, bulgur, onion, and garlic salt in a 1 1/2-quart casserole.

Cover and bake in a 350 degrees F oven about 1 hour or till barley and bulgur are tender, stirring once halfway through baking.

TO SERVE:
Place tomatoes, stem end down, on a cutting surface. With a sharp knife, cut tomato into four to six wedges, cutting to, but not through, the base. Spread the wedges apart. Spoon the hot vegetable grain mixture into the tomatoes. Sprinkle mixture with cheese. Cover and let stand about 5 minutes or till cheese is melted. If desired, garnish with parsley sprigs.

TO MAKE AHEAD:
Prepare and cook casserole as directed, except do not add cheese or spoon over tomatoes. Cool, cover, and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, bake, covered, in a 350 degree F oven for 55 to 60 minutes or till heated through, stirring once. Stir again. Spoon into tomatoes; sprinkle with cheese. Cover and let stand about 5 minutes or till the cheese is melted.

Makes 4 servings
Source: Recipe magazine: Low Calorie/Low Fat Recipes, Better Homes and Gardens, Spring 1996