Spicy Moroccan Barley Veggie Bowl

Barley Morocco is a delightful dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine with wholesome ingredients like barley, vegetables, and garbanzo beans. 🌿🥕🌶️

Barley Morocco

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 4 cups regular pearl barley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 zucchinis, diced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 broccoli floret, chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cooking Barley:

   • In a large saucepan, combine the pearl barley, water, and salt.
   • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the barley is tender and the liquid is absorbed. This should yield about 4 cups of cooked barley.

2. Preparing Vegetables:

   • In another large, heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onions, celery, and minced garlic, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant.

3. Adding Remaining Ingredients:

   • To the saucepan with the sautéed vegetables, add the sliced carrots, diced zucchinis, diced green pepper, chopped broccoli floret, and drained garbanzo beans.
   • Pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, lemon juice, ground coriander, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

4. Thickening the Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry.
   • Stir the cornstarch mixture into the simmering vegetable mixture and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

5. Assembling:

   • To serve, spoon the cooked barley around the edge of a deep serving platter.
   • Pour the cooked vegetables into the center of the platter.
   • Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.

Enjoying Barley Morocco:
This colorful and hearty dish is best enjoyed warm, served with some warm pita bread on the side for scooping up the flavorful vegetables and barley. 🍽️ It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, providing a wholesome meal packed with fiber, protein, and nutrients. The combination of spices adds a delightful Moroccan flair, while the fresh vegetables and barley contribute to a well-balanced and satisfying dish. Serve it up with some melon wedges sprinkled with chopped fresh mint for a refreshing and delicious accompaniment. Whether you’re a vegan enthusiast or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, Barley Morocco is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!