Barley Stew & Cornbread Too

While the picture leaves something to be desired, the contrast in flavors between the stew and cornbread complimented eachother nicely. George made several comments about enjoying the mushrooms in this dish. The cauliflower and barley were hard to tell apart, an effect I was aiming for, utilizing the cauliflower to lower carb content and boost vitamin content.

Barley Stew

To a large crockpot I added 1 cup of dry pearled barley, 1 large chopped purple onion, one head of cauliflower, processed to small bits, and 8 oz. sliced mushrooms. I then topped it off with a 14 ounce can of vegetable broth, dilluted to make 2 quarts of liquid, and 3 bay leaves. Put on low for about 6 hours, at which point I found the water completely absorbed and it starting to stick. I added a 1# bag of frozen Italian vegetables processed to small bits, a Tbsp. of dry thyme, fresh cracked pepper and about a cup and 1/2 additional liquid in the form of about 50/50 soymilk and water. Transfered to another crockpot on low for an hour or two.

Corn Bread

From Turn Off the Fat Genes by Neal Barnard

1 ½ c organic original soy milk
1 ½ tbsp vinegar (I used rice vinegar)
1 cup organic corn meal (I used an additional Tbsp. to compensate 4 the additional sugar/syrup)
1 cup organic barley flour
2 tbsp organic cane sugar (I used 4 Tbsp. Maple Syrup)
2 tbsp baking powder (non-gmo)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp sea salt

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine the soy milk and vinegar and set aside. Mix the cornmeal, barley flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Add the soy milk mixture and stir until just mixed. Spread the batter evenly in a sprayed 9 x 9-inch baking dish. Bake until the top is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve hot.

All in all a good recipe. Am pleased with the lack of oil. Didn't rise as well as I would have liked, but my baking powder is a bit old. Tasted too salty to me, and was still a bit gooety in the center, but brown on top- might consider covering it for part of the bake time. Will make again and tweak.