Sausage Barley Casserole

Sausage-Barley Casserole

3 Tbs. butter or margarine, divided
1/2 lb. smoked sausage, sliced
1 c. pearl barley
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
2 c. water
1 can (16 oz.) stewed tomatoes
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

In a large saucepan, melt 1 tbs. butter. Saute sausage until lightly browned. Remove from pan and set aside. Add remaining butter; saute barley, vegetables and garlic until barley is lightly browned. Return sausage to pan. Add water, tomatoes and seasonings. Bring to a boil.Cover and cook over low heat until liquid is absorbed, about 1 hour. Yield: 4 servings.