Ingredients

  • Barley Salad
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • 1 English cucumber
  • 1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
  • 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
  • salt
  • Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh tarragon, chopped
  • 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon aioli (I had some leftover but you can use mayonnaise)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method

  • Wash barley if dirty. Place in a pot with 3 cups water, thyme, and salt to taste. Bring to a boil and then turn down the heat. Let simmer for 45 mins or until soft, but still chewy. Drain excess water and let cool.
  • Quarter cucumber and slice thinly. Place in a large bowl with the diced apricots, walnuts, and red onion. Add the barley once cooled.
  • To make the dressing, mix the mint, tarragon, lemon and salt together. Add the buttermilk and aioli (or mayonnaise). Blend thoroughly together (I like to use a small jam jar and shake until fully blended). It should be smooth with no lumps. Add pepper and more salt to taste.
  • Mix dressing with barley and other ingredients. Serve at room temperature.