Tomato Avocado Barley Salad
w/ Fire Roasted vinaigrette
4-6 servings / 10 minutes prep / 1 hour cooking
Ingredients
3 cups water
1 cup pearl barley
1 Tbl extra virgin olive oil
3 cups diced fresh tomatoes
2 avocados peeled seeded and diced
1/4 cup pine nuts toasted
Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves stems removed
2 Serrano or Jalapeno chile peppers
2 Tbl Balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp agave nectar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Loving Preparation:
1. In a large saucepan with a lid, bring 3 cups water to a boil. Add
the pearl barley. Reduce the heat to low, cover and let simmer for
45 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir in
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and let cool. Stir in the tomatoes,
avocado and pine nuts.
2. Preheat a grill to medium high heat. Place the peppers directly
on the grill rack and grill, turning occasionally until all sides are
evenly blackened and charred. Place peppers in a small paper bag for
5-10 minutes and close to let them steam (this will make removing the
skins much easier). Remove the peppers from the paper bag and carefully
peel off and discard the skins (you may want to wear rubber gloves).
Slice each pepper in half and remove and discard any seeds or membranes.
3. In a small food processor or blender combine the basil, roasted
Serrano peppers, balsamic vinegar, kosher salt and agave nectar. With
the motor on the food processor running pour in the extra virgin olive
oil and process until well combined. Pour vinaigrette over the barley
salad and stir gently to combine. Garnish if desired with fresh basil
leaves.
Serving Suggestions
For a lovely optional presentation hollow out several red green or
yellow peppers and fill each with a portion of the salad and garnish
with the fresh basil leaves.
*You may roast the peppers on a baking sheet in a 450 degree oven
for 4-5 minutes instead of using the grill. |
FORGIVENESS
Please forgive me,
For I do not understand.
Though your eyes beseech my camaraderie,
I am without opinion.
And as I sit before you,
I ponder the possibility of failure,
But then to me the thought abides,
That should my eyes reflect
To you a new way,
Perhaps a better way,
Then there may never be
The need for forgiveness again.
by Shanon |
