This was way too much food, but damn it was good.

On the bottom is vegetarian vegetable soup. On the top: brussels sprouts; barley pilaf; sausage, potato and pepper frittata; green beans. In the waxed paper is two pieces of Toblerone, one of two candies I indulge in about once a year.

I’ve always loved barley in soup, but never thought to use it as a sidedish  until I was reading the box. Barley pilaf? It sounded strange, but since I’m a big believer in whole foods and superfoods, I thought I’d give this grain a chance.

I love it! Chewy, slightly nutty, but with a neutral taste that takes on flavor well. Barley will replace rice and pasta in my diet. Barley is the new black.