Cook this dish in 3 stages: 1st: Saute mushrooms; 2nd: Add barley and simmer; 3rd: Then steam broccoli on barley

3 tbsp. butter
1 lb. mushrooms, sliced
1 sm. onion, chopped
1 1/2 c. beef broth
1/2 c. barley, rinsed
4 c. (about 1 lb.) broccoli florets
Water
2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

In frying pan, saute mushrooms and onions in butter. Add broth and barley. Heat to boiling. Cover, reduce to simmer and cook until barley is tender to bite (about 30 minutes). Spread broccoli evenly on barley. If broth has cooked away, add 1/4 cup water. Cook and cover until broccoli is tender (10 minutes). Remove cover and cook until liquid evaporates. Lift broccoli from pan and arrange alongside barley on a platter. Sprinkle barley and mushrooms with Parmesan if desired. Serves 4 to 6.