Bowl of Black Bean and Barley Soup
(click to enlarge)

Black Bean & Barley Soup


Mexico

Makes:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  
8 cups
***
1-1/2 hrs
Yes
A truly spectacular soup, both tasty and substantial, and vegetarian too, though nobody's likely to notice. Don't skip the garnish.

1
1/2
1
6
7
3
4
2
3
8
1/4
1/2
1/2
tt
1-1/2
------
ar

c
c

c
oz
oz
oz
cl
T
oz
t
T
t

T
---

Black Beans dry  
Barley (1)
Bay Leaf
Water
Onion
Carrot
Celery
Garlic
Olive Oil
Tomatoes
Pepper
Salt
Oregano, dry
Chili Sauce (2)
Lemon Juice
--- Garnish
White Onion
    & Cilantro

Do-Ahead   -   (6 hrs, 5 min work)
  1. Soak BLACK BEANS in Water to cover and 1 teaspoon Salt, 6 hours or overnight.
Make   -   (1-1/2 hrs)
  1. Put Beans and BARLEY in a pot and add Water and BAY LEAF. Simmer slowly covered while you do the rest of the steps.
  2. Meanwhile:   Chop ONION medium. Half or quarter CARROTS lengthwise and slice medium. Slice CELLERY about 1/4 inch thick. Crush GARLIC and chop medium. Mix all.
  3. In a sauté pan, heat Olive Oil and fry Onion Mix stirring until onions show a trace of color. When Beans are half done (probably about now), add to pot.
  4. Scald TOMATOES one minute in boiling water. Quench in cold water and peel. Chop medium and add to the pot with Beans. Bring back to a boil and turn to a simmer until beans are tender, but not falling apart.
  5. Squeeze Lemon Juice.
  6. Chop White Onion fairly small, and Cilantro medium. Mix for Garnish.
  7. Season with Pepper, Salt, Oregano and Chili Sauce.
  8. Taste for Seasoning. Stir in Lemon Juice and take off the heat.
  9. If you have the time, set it aside and allow to mature for a few hours or overnight. Reheat, garnish and serve.
NOTES:
  1. Barley:

      Use a lightly pearled barley if you can, as it will give you a lot less trouble sticking to the pan. It has more color than the white supermarket barley, and more flavor.
  2. Chili Sauce:

      the ubiquitous Tapatío will do fine. A couple dashes, or more if desired.
  3. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch tt=to taste ar=as required
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