Take Heart!
From Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA)

Barley Caponata
BarleyFoods.org

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 cups chopped eggplant
1 red or green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 pound small fresh button mushrooms, sliced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves or 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves, crushed
1-1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves or 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves, crushed
2 cups cooked pearl barley (see cooking directions below)
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes and juice
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon seasoned pepper
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup chopped pimiento-stuffed green olives
10 drops red pepper sauce

Preparation:

  • Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add onion and garlic; sauté until golden, stirring occasionally.
  • Add eggplant, bell pepper, mushrooms, basil and oregano; sauté 10 minutes.
  • Stir in cooked barley, garbanzo beans, diced tomatoes and juice, tomato sauce, salt and pepper.
  • Simmer 10 minutes.
  • Mix in vinegar, olives and red pepper sauce; simmer 5 minutes longer.

    To cook pearl barley:
  • Place 1 cup pearl barley, 3 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in medium saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 45 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  • Makes about 3 to 3-1/2 cups.
  • Place extra cooked barley in an airtight container and freeze for use later.