Not Your Grandma's Lentils and Barley

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Looking to sort of reinvent my own repetitive preparations of lentils and barley I went for monster flavor on this one. I threw every punch of flavor I could scrounge up at it.

The result was a rich porridge laced with heat and spices.

Sauteing the vegetables really brings out their flavors so that they're much more present in the final dish.

1 poblano pepper, sliced
1 jalapeno, sliced
3 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 cup garlic puree
1 cup cucumber gazpacho pulp

1/2 cup dry pearl barley
1/2 cup dry lentils

1/2 cup white wine
Several cups water

1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

Saute the poblano in a large skillet with a touch of oil and a pinch of salt. This will really accentuate the flavor and the heat. When poblano is tender add jalapeno and garlic. Saute a few more minutes. Add wine, salt and pepper. Simmer 3 more minutes.

Add lentils, barley and 2 cups water. Cover. Simmer until water is absorbed. Continue adding water as necessary to cook the lentils and barley until tender.

Stir in garlic puree, gazpacho pulp, salt and black pepper. Heat through.

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