Pearl Barley

Pearl barley can be prepared in several ways – in soups, as a salad, or as a side dish for any meal.

This is a recipe for barley served as a warm side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl barley, soaked in water for half an hour, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 cups boiling  water
• salt
• pepper
• 1 small chopped onion, chopped into small pieces
• 1 carrot, grated 
• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• chopped flat-leaf parsley
• chopped celery leaves

Preparation:

1. Pour one cup pearl barley into a bowl of cold water. Let soak for half an hour. Rinse well and drain in strainer till dry.
2. Chop onion into small pieces.
3. Peel and grate carrot.
4. In small-medium non-stick pot, put the canola oil, add the chopped onion and grated carrot. Fry until onion and carrot get soft and caramelized. Add some salt and pepper to the fried onions and carrots.
5. Add the rinsed and strained pearl barley.
6. Add 1 1/2 cups boiling water, a teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.
7. Bring to boil. Lower flame, cover pot, and cook for about 20 minutes till the barley is ready.
8. Add the chopped parsley and chopped celery leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning.
9. Transfer to serving bowl and serve.