Barley with Butternut Squash, Apples and Onions

Instructions

1. Bring water and 1 /2 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add barley; cover and simmer until tender, about 30 to 35 minutes. Drain.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add squash, onion and red pepper. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are browned and almost tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Stir in apple, garlic, thyme, pepper and remaining 1 /4 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring, until apple is almost tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in broth; scraping bottom of skillet to loosen any browned bits. Stir in barley; toss over low heat to mix and coat. Remove from heat and serve. Yields about 3 /4 cup serving.