lemon dill barley salad

Such a fresh, springy wholesome taste for such little effort. I have been eating this for the past week and I can't get enough of the powerful fresh flavor that hits your mouth. It also keeps so well in the fridge!

So far it has been a welcome companion at spring picnics, with some lentils added, or with some sharp cheddar melted on top.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried barley
• 4 cups water to cook the barley
• 1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (yes, it must be fresh squeezed. Put that bottle down).
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 bunch of fresh dill, washed and finely minced. (stems and all).
  
• dash of fresh ground pepper (optional)

Directions:

• cook the barley in a large pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. wait till all the water is cooked off.
  
• Note- this is much easier in a rice cooker
• wash, dry and mince the dill (stems and all)
• combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper, and mix
• when the barley is done cooking, dress it with the lemon mixture
• add the dill.
• Taste. Add more lemon, oil, salt and/or pepper to taste if desired.
  

Sarah's Persian Cucumber Salad

cross posted from two heads of lettuce

Here is an alternative recipe for cucumber salad:

drain 2 cups yogurt overnight (if you have time, I often skipped this step - it just makes the salad less watery)

peel, seed, and dice 1 cucumber (you can keep the seeds- but again its waterier)
salt lightly and let drain of excess juice in a colander (this step too can be skipped or shortened, but again will make the salad more watery)

Combine along with
juice of 1/2 a lemon
handful of golden raisins (dried cherries are awesome too, if you have them on hand)
dash of rose water (you might want to measure out a teaspoon til you get a feel for it - too much is strange!)
small handful of chopped walnuts
small bunch (a tablespoon or so) of chopped mint
salt and pepper (preferably white) to taste

another cucumber salad:
chop cucumbers (optional- drain them like above recipe)
yogurt (again- drained is optional)
1 small red onion, chopped
1/4 cup dried dill (1/3 cup fresh)
1/2 squeezed fresh lemon (using fresh is important)
cashews or walnut- optional
salt and pepper to taste

mix together for a great and refreshing quick salad!