BARLEY WITH NUTS AND A HOMEMADE BERRY COMPOTE
- 1½ cups pearl barley
- 3 cups water
- 1½ cup milk
- 3 tbsp sugar, divided
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup coconut chips
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- ⅓ cup shelled pistachios
- 6 oz fresh blueberries
- 6 oz fresh blackberries
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- scant ¼ tsp ground cardamom
- Rinse the pearl barley with cold water and drain well.
- In a medium heavy saucepan, combine the barley, water, milk, 2 tbsp sugar and salt. Place on high heat and bring to a boil (watch carefully). Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 45 minutes, until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- In a small bowl, mix together the coconut chips, almonds and pistachios with the remaining 1 tbsp of sugar. Set aside.
- To make the berry compote, combine the berries, sugar, water, lemon juice, vanilla extract and cardamom in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool completely before serving.
- When barley is ready, serve warm in small bowls or mason jars with the berry compote and garnish with the nut mixture. Enjoy!
source:themediterraneandish.