Produce List for the Week of August 19th

Heirloom Tomatoes

Sun Gold Tomatoes

Red Pepper

Purple Pepper

Green Anaheim Peppers

Jalapeno Peppers

Black Eggplant

White Eggplant

Lebanese Squash

Crookneck Squash

Cucumbers

Carrots

Yellow Onions

Scarlet Royal Grapes

Owen T. Plum (Black)

King Midas Plum (Big Yellow)

Flavor Grenade Pluot

Dapple Dandy Pluot

Giant Pearl White Nectarine

Red Bright Yellow Nectarine

This week’s recipe features eggplant, squash, and an eclectic mix of herbs and spices for a flavorful salad!

Mediterranean Eggplant and Barley Salad

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pound eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

3/4 pound zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

10 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup chopped scallion (from 1 bunch)

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

1 1/4 cups pearl barley (8 oz)

1 (14-oz) can reduced-sodium chicken broth (1 3/4 cups)

3/4 cup water

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 teaspoon sugar

1/2 pound cherry tomatoes, quartered

1/3 cup Kalamata or other brine-cured black olives, pitted and halved

1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion, rinsed and drained if desired

1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1/2 cup chopped fresh mint

Accompaniment: 1 (1/2-lb) piece ricotta salata, cut crosswise into thin slices

Preparation:

Roast eggplant and zucchini:

Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 425°F.

Toss eggplant and zucchini with 5 tablespoons oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 teaspoon pepper in a bowl, then spread in 2 oiled large shallow (1-inch-deep) baking pans. Roast vegetables in oven, stirring occasionally and switching position of pans halfway through baking, until vegetables are golden brown and tender, 20 to 25 minutes total. Combine vegetables in 1 pan and cool, reserving other pan for cooling barley.

Cook barley:

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 3- to 4-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook scallion, cumin, coriander, and cayenne, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add barley and cook, stirring until well coated with oil, 2 minutes more. Add broth and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until all of liquid is absorbed and barley is tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Transfer to reserved shallow baking pan and spread to quickly cool, uncovered, to room temperature, about 20 minutes.

Make dressing and assemble salad:

Whisk together lemon juice, garlic, sugar, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 3 tablespoons oil in a large bowl. Add barley, roasted vegetables, and remaining ingredients to bowl with dressing and toss until combined well. Serve with cheese slices.

Cooks' note: Salad can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Return to room temperature before serving.

Gourmet  | September 2006 http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Mediterranean-Eggplant-and-Barley-Salad-235753