Greek Barley

Potlucks are a favorite among vegans, and this Greek Barley dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering. It’s not only delicious but also customizable, allowing you to add more of your favorite ingredients, like olives or artichoke hearts. If you have some homegrown cherry tomatoes, toss those in too! The combination of tender barley, flavorful olives, tangy roasted red bell pepper, and zesty lemon juice makes this dish a refreshing and satisfying choice.

YIELD: This recipe makes approximately 1 3/4 cups (270 g) of delicious Greek Barley.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup (157 g) prepared barley, cooled
• 2 tablespoons (20 g) minced red onion
• 4 pitted kalamata olives, chopped
• 2 green olives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (23 g) jarred roasted red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 water-packed artichoke heart, chopped
• 2 teaspoons (3 g) minced fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon evaporated cane juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the prepared barley, minced red onion, chopped kalamata and green olives, roasted red bell pepper, chopped artichoke heart, and fresh parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and evaporated cane juice.
3. Pour the lemon juice mixture over the barley and toss to coat the ingredients evenly. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or cover and refrigerate for later.
4. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasonings, adding salt and pepper as desired.

SERVING OPTIONS:

Serving Options for Greek Barley:

• Main Course: Turn this Greek Barley into a satisfying main course by adding protein-rich ingredients such as chickpeas, marinated tofu, or grilled tempeh. Serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete and nutritious meal.
• Side Dish: Greek Barley pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Serve it alongside your favorite vegan protein sources like lentil stew, stuffed peppers, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and flavorful meal.
• Picnic or Potluck: As mentioned in the intro, this dish is perfect for potlucks or picnics. Transport it in an airtight container and serve it cold or at room temperature for an easy and delicious contribution to any gathering.
• Mediterranean Platter: Create a Mediterranean-inspired platter by combining Greek Barley with other classic dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves, and roasted red pepper dip. Serve with pita bread or cucumber slices for a delightful array of flavors.
• Lunch Wrap: Make a satisfying lunch wrap by spreading some hummus or tahini on a tortilla or flatbread, then adding a generous scoop of Greek Barley along with fresh greens and sliced tomatoes. Roll it up and enjoy a delicious and portable meal.
• Brunch Delight: Serve Greek Barley as a brunch option by adding it to a colorful breakfast bowl with avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a sprinkle of vegan feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing start to the day.
• Grain Bowl: Create a wholesome grain bowl by layering Greek Barley with roasted or steamed vegetables, sautéed greens, and a flavorful sauce like tahini dressing or lemon herb vinaigrette.
• Stuffed Vegetables: Use Greek Barley as a delicious stuffing for bell peppers, zucchini, or portobello mushrooms. Bake until the vegetables are tender and enjoy a flavorful and hearty dish.
• Cold Salad: Enjoy Greek Barley as a refreshing cold salad during hot summer days. Add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, fresh mint, and a drizzle of olive oil for a light and refreshing salad.
• Garnish for Soups: Sprinkle some Greek Barley on top of your favorite soups like vegetable soup, lentil soup, or gazpacho to add texture and a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

Enjoy this Greek-inspired barley dish as a side or as part of a colorful and flavorful main course. It’s a delightful combination of Mediterranean flavors that will leave your taste buds satisfied and your guests coming back for more. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or enjoying it at home, Greek Barley is a versatile and soy-free option that’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.