I discovered this recipe has chorizo and olives. I followed the text
but it was kindly pointed out to me, after forgetting that my food
critic very seldom eats red meat - chorizo, bacon, lamb, pork or
whatever, that this, in fact, works well solely with olives. I
regularly prepare food for two, so it's not just me, me, me all the
time; I should follow my head more often.
The pearl barley on it's own is the star of the show here. Pearl barley will work as a substitute for long-grain rice, risotto and the like but this has a delightful chewiness in its texture. The chorizo sausage does aswell of course, hence I think I'll try the veggie approach next time and simply slice a handfull of olives so the "bite" is just from the already flavoured pearl barley. But chorizo or not, it does add a dynamic clour to the food
Pearl barley is a great substitute for risotto. It's nice having a carefree meal that doesn't need constant attention when cooking. One doesn't need to add the water or stock in parts and stay stirring over and over at the stove. It's a simple "add the water or stock to barley", simmer and go about your other business.
Fresh herbs are not always easy to come by but one I do grow at home is rosemary. It lends well to the flavours of the chorizo here and the aroma left behind from chopping this herb is simply divine.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
200g chorizo sausage, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
300g pearl barley
2 medium fresh tomatoes, skinned and chopped
50g sliced olives
2 rosemary leaves, chopped
Instructions:
1. Heat a large frying pan and fry the chorizo slices until golden and it's oils have been released. Remove with a slotted spoon and keep to one side.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic to the pan and chop for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the pearl barley and coat with the oil before adding the chopped tomatoes and sliced olives.
4. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until liquid has been absorbed.
5. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary and serve.
Serves: 4