Feb 3, 2010

Barley has a loooooot of fiber.

We all know how much I adore fiber. I also really love carbs. Barley = carbs + fiber. I like math too. The February 2010 issue of Real Simple features the recipe for "Creamy Barley with Tomatoes and Greens." It sounded good, so I picked up the few ingredients I didn't have at home. 




The original recipe can be found here. Here is my adapted version:


Ingredients

  • 1 tbsps olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
  • 2 cups quick-cooking barley
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 8 cups spinach
  • 2 ounces pecorino Romano, cut into small pieces
Instructions
1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Chop the onion finely, and cry. Cry a whooole lot. Let it all out. Add onion (without tears) to saucepan and cook until translucent. Add pepper.
2. Add the barley, tomatoes, wine, and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until barley is tender, stirring occasionally. 
3. Add spinach and cheese and stir. Cook for a few more minutes until the leaves have wilted. Top with additional grated cheese if you'd like. Who wouldn't?

In the middle of cooking, I realized I didn't buy quick-cooking barley. Crap! Notice the frustration in my grip:


After adding the spinach and cheese:


In the bowl with extra cheese:


WARNING WARNING!
Bob's Red Mill barley has 8g of fiber per each 1/4 cup serving. Although Real Simple magazine says this recipe makes 4 servings, they are huge and extremely filling. I calculated each serving to be 17.5g of fiber. Let's just say it was already working as I was eating. Cheers to happy colons!

6 comments:

  1. Thanks for bringing some over Christina! Two hours later and I'm still full which as you know is unheard of for me! Who knew barley could be so good and so filling! Kelly

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  2. oh my god you're BACK! I'm ecstatic right now and it's actually kind of creepy!

    love fiber - and YOU :)

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  3. just found your blog! looks yummy!

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  4. yum! Looks like barely risotto! I love fiber too ;) So glad you're back- hoooooray! Getting ready for the ridiculous rain we're supposed to get tomorrow?

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  5. Looks delicious girl! I'm assuming you could also use brown rice?

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  6. Hi Christina! Thanks for the message, and I'm so jealous that you got your hands on one of the Orange Crush dresses! Your blog looks delightful. I'm not much of a cook, but the recipes you have look pretty easy, so I might have to give some of them a try! It's nice to meet you :)

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