Plain.Recipes

African-Spiced Black Barley with Okra and Tomatoes

Source: www.foodandwine.com/recipes/african-spiced-black-barley-with-okra-and-tomatoes

Ingredients

  1. 1 1/4 cups black barley (about 1/2 pound)
  2. 3 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  3. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  4. 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
  5. 1 large garlic clove, minced
  6. 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  7. 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  8. 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  9. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  10. Pinch of ground cloves
  11. 1 cup water
  12. 1 pound small okra, stems trimmed
  13. Salt

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, cover the barley with water and bring to a boil.
  2. Cover and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the barley has split and is tender but still slightly chewy, about 45 minutes.
  3. Drain the barley and transfer to a bowl.
  4. Wipe out the saucepan and heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the oil in it.
  5. Add the onion and cook over moderately low heat, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes.
  6. Add the tomatoes and cook over moderate heat until their juices thicken, about 4 minutes.
  7. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  8. Add the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne and cloves and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  9. Add the barley and the water, cover and simmer over low heat until the flavors are nicely blended, about 4 minutes.
  10. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil until almost smoking.
  11. Add the okra and cook, turning once, until browned on both sides, about 6 minutes.
  12. Season the okra with salt and stir into the barley.
  13. Season the barley with salt and serve hot.

2021