I literally have 4 posts partially done.
I have delicious things to report on, that I want you to feel the need to run to your kitchen after reading. Why can’t I just finish them? I’ll get there.
For now I will distract you with a super simple, quick, wonderful grain salad.
I swear I eat real food. I don’t just bake and eat that all day…although that’s not a bad idea.
This is proof! This salad is bright and colorful, chewy from the barley, creamy from the beans, crunchy from the pepper, and gets a note of crisp freshness from the cilantro lime dressing.
Don’t like barley? I don’t like you!
…Just kidding. I love all of you.
Trade it out! I think the original recipe called for rice (borrinng!). I’ve made it with quinoa. I’m sure you could do something crazy like use…wheat berries?
Perfect potluck dish! Just…go make it. I don’t have a whole lot else to say.
Black Bean Salad with Chili Lime Dressing
Ingredients
1 can Black beans
1/2 cup Barley (or grain of choice)
1 to 1 1/2 Colored pepper (use different colors and it’s SUPER pretty!)
1 tomato (optional)
1/2 sweet/red onion (I actually forgot it this time and its fine)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
dressing
1 lime
1 Tbs olive oil, or more to your preference
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
pinch of cayenne (more if you want it spicier)
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Bring 1 cup of water to boil in a small pan. Add Barley and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until tender. Chop all vegetables, and wash and chop cilantro. Mix all dressing ingredients together.
Add cooked barley, vegetables and dressing in a bowl and stir!
Makes about 3-4 servings
Super easy right?
Really, the barley should be cooled in the fridge and then all ingredients are mixed, but I am generally hungry by that time, so I just eat it warm. Still good.
On a side note…I definitely made the spice amounts up…just taste it until you think its right. You can always doctor later (welcome to my world of cooking!)
NOW!
Take a look at all my pretty pictures that I probably will never post on!
My first ever tomato plants!
I learned that container gardening is amazing
FYI Serrano chilies are hottt
Salsa roastingg!
