Barley with Broccoli and Braised Garlic Recipe by Mangia
Barley with Broccoli and Braised Garlic
We not only roast garlic at Mangia , but we also braise it, which brings out its sweetness and softens its texture in different ways. One of the residual effects, of course, is all the lovely garlic-flavored olive oil you have on hand after braising it. Use it in salad dressings, as a cooking oil, or for drizzling over focaccia or other chewy breads.
Along with the barley, you will find familiar Asian overtones here-a touch of sesame oil, some red pepper flakes, and crisp broccoli florets. Fish would make a very fine
accompaniment, roasted, poached, or, easiest of all, steamed.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups water
- 2 teaspoons plus 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 1 head broccoli 1 pound
- ½ cup garlic cloves
- ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried hot pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add one and one-half of teaspoons of the salt and the barley. Return the water to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer until the barley is tender, 35 to 40 minutes. Drain in a colander.
- Trim the broccoli into florets, discarding the stems.
- Bring a second saucepan of water to a boil. Add one-half teaspoon salt and the broccoli florets. Blanch several minutes, drain in a colander, and run under cold water. Drain well.
- Peel the garlic cloves, put them in a small saucepan, and cover with three-quarters of a cup of olive oil. Simmer the garlic over medium-low heat, braising it, until golden brown and soft, about 15 minutes. Transfer the cloves to a plate with a slotted spoon. Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of the oil. Let the reserved oil cool, pour it into a jar, and store in the refrigerator for future use.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in the skillet until hot. Add the blanched broccoli florets, hot pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Cook several minutes, tossing the florets to coat them with the seasoned oil and pepper; then set aside to cool.
- In a serving bowl, combine the barley, broccoli, and braised garlic. Add the sesame oil and paprika and toss gently to combine. Best served within 1 hour of finishing.
