Pecan Barley Salad Recipes

Steps:

• In a large saucpan, boil barley, water, and salt.
• Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until barley is tender.
• While barley is simmering, cook pecans in oil in a heavy skillet over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until nuts are toasted one shade darker, about 4 minutes.
• Remove barley from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
• Drain barley in a colander, rinse under cold water and drain well.
• Toss nuts with barley and remaining ingredients in a large bowl, and season with salt and pepper.

Steps:

• To prepare the salad
• In a kettle combine the black beans with enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches, simmer them, covered, for 1 hour, or until they are tender, and drain them well. While the beans are cooking, in a large saucepan combine the barley with 4 cups boiling salted water and simmer it, covered, for 45 minutes, or until it is cooked but still al dente. Drain the barley in a colander, rinse it, and drain it well. In a small bowl whisk together the lemon juice, the mustard, and salt and pepper to taste, add the oil in a stream, whisking, and whisk the dressing until it is emulsified. In a large bowl combine the black beans, the barley, and the onion, add the dressing, and toss the salad until it is combined well. The salad may be prepared up to this point 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled. In a saucepan of boiling salted water cook the green beans for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they are just tender, refresh them under cold water, and drain them well. Cut the beans crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces, add them to the salad with pine nuts and salt and pepper to taste, and toss the salad until it is combined well. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.
• To quick soak dried beans
• In a colander rinse the beans under cold water and discard any discolored ones. In a kettle combine the beans with enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches, bring the water to a boil, and boil the beans for 2 minutes. Remove the kettle from the heat and let the beans soak, covered, for 1 hour.

Steps:

• Combine water, garlic and barley in a large pot.
• Bring to boil and then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 40 minutes or until barley is tender.
• Drain excess water.
• To make dressing, combine mustard, garlic and vinegar.
• Whisk together, then slowly whisk in olive oil.
• Season with salt and pepper if desired.
• Combine half of dressing with warm barley.
• Stir in vegetables and herbs.
• Toss with remaining dressing.
• Season to taste.