1654 Barley Salad

• 4 large:cloves of garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 cup:finely chopped parsley
• 24 :red grape tomatoes cut in half horizontally
• 1 teaspoon:minced fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon dried
• 1/2 teaspoon:cinnamon
• Pinch:of cloves
• 1 :jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced
• 1/4 cup:extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon:coarse kosher salt
• Freshly:ground black pepper to taste
• : 
• 2 cups:frozen yellow corn, defrosted
• 1 cup:frozen cut green beans, defrosted
• 3 scallions:scallions, finely sliced
• 1/4 cup:roasted red pepper, jarred or fresh, diced
• 1 (15-ounce) can:black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup:barley
• 4 cups:water
• Additional: salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Combine the first 10 ingredients in a large, glass serving bowl. Let marinate for at least 1/2 hour at room temperature.
2. Defrost the corn and green beans. Discard any accumulated liquid.
3. Have all of your remaining ingredients ready while you cook the barley.
4. Bring the four cups water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt and the barley. Stir to combine, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook barley for 40 minutes or until tender but not mushy.
5. When the barley is done, quickly drain and pour it over the tomato mixture. Toss with the remaining ingredients. Add more salt and pepper if needed.

Tips

• The easiest way to peel a clove of garlic is to lightly smash it under the flat side of a chef's knife. The peel then easily pulls away.
• Small grape and cherry tomatoes do not need to be seeded; large ones do because the seeds are slightly bitter.
• When working with hot peppers, place your hand in a plastic bag before holding the pepper to slice. The seeds and membrane are the greatest source of "burn".
• For a great additional flavor to salads, roast cobs of corn over a fire, and cut the kernels off the cob holding a large knife at a 45 degree angle.

Contributed by: Tina Wasserman

I created this salad, inspired by colonial farming methods, to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the first Jewish community in the United States. Serve cold for a delightful summer salad.