Author Notes
Roasted cauliflower is one of my go-to dishes once fall hits. I serve it as a side dish with everything. Sometimes I mix it in to a bowl of pasta or put it on top of pizza. Mixed with barley in this salad it makes a totally hearty meal. The flavorful basil croutons add crunch and the celery leaves offer a subtle flavor that finishes the dish. —Lori Lyn Narlock
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Ingredients
- Croutons
-
1 cup
cup loosely packed basil leaves
-
2
cloves garlic, chopped
-
1/2 cup
olive oil
-
4 ounces
sourdough or foccacia bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
-
1 teaspoon
kosher salt
-
2 tablespoons
freshly grated Parmigiano
- Salad
-
2 1/2 cups
water
-
1 teaspoon
kosher salt
-
1 cup
barley, rinsed
-
6 tablespoons
extra virgin olive oil
-
1 tablespoon
butter
-
2
cloves garlic, chopped
-
1/2 teaspoon
crushed red pepper
-
1
small head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets
-
2 teaspoons
balsamic vinegar
-
1 teaspoon
Dijon mustard
-
1/2 cup
celery leaves, chopped
-
1/4 cup
freshly grated Parmigiano
-
2 tablespoons
toasted pine nuts
Directions
- Croutons
-
Put the basil and garlic in small food processor and pulse until finely chopped. With the machine running, add the oil in a slow stream until completely emulsified. Transfer to an airtight container and store refrigerated until ready to use or freeze for up to one month.
-
Put the bread in a large bowl and add 2 tablespoons of the basil purée. Stir in the salt. Spread on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with the Parmigiano and bake until browned and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside or store in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Salad
-
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
-
Put the water and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the barley, cover and cook on low heat until tender, about 45 minutes.
-
While the barley is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, the butter, garlic and crushed red pepper in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower and stir to coat the cauliflower evenly with the olive oil mixture. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes then transfer to the oven. Cook until browned and tender, about 20 minutes.
-
Whisk together the balsamic vinegar and mustard in a large bowl. Add the olive oil in a steady stream while continuing to whisk. Stir in the barley, cauliflower (including any bits of garlic or pepper stuck to the skillet), Parmigiano and celery leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the croutons over the top and serve immediately.
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