Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables Barley

Ingredients

• 1 cup / 163 g dry pearl barley, washed
• 2 whole zucchini squash, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, cored, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cored, diced
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tsp / 3.9 g harissa spice, divided
• 2⁄3 tsp / 1.95 g smoked paprika, divided
• Olive oil
• 2 scallions, trimmed and chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 oz / 56 g chopped fresh parsley
• Feta cheese, to taste (optional)
• Toasted pine nuts, to taste (optional)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 425° F.
2. Place pearl barley and 2 ½ cups water in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil, then turn heat down to low. Cover and cook anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes or until the barley is cooked through (should be tender but maintains some chew.)
3. While barley is cooking, place diced vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion) on a large baking sheet. Season with salt, pepper, 1 ½ teaspoon harissa spice, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Toss to coat. Spread evenly in one layer on the baking sheet. Roast in heated oven for 25 minutes or so.
4. When barley is ready, drain any excess water. Season with salt, pepper, ½ teaspoon harissa spice and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika. Toss to combine.
5. Transfer cooked barley to a large mixing bowl. Add roasted veggies. Add chopped scallions, garlic, and fresh parsley. Dress with lemon juice and a good drizzle of Early Harvest extra virgin olive oil. Toss. If you like, top with crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts.
6. Serve warm, at room teperature, or cold!