Herbed Barley-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Refreshing Cucumber Salad
This delightful recipe hails from the Culinary Institute of America, showcasing the versatile and nutritious pearl barley. A personal favorite of mine, this larger variety of barley adds a delightful chewiness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the crispness of cucumber. Stuffing cherry tomatoes with this vibrant mixture not only makes for a stunning presentation but also a flavorful appetizer or side dish for any meal. The medley of fresh herbs, including parsley and mint, elevates the flavor profile, while the addition of scallions adds a hint of sharpness. Though the process of coring and stuffing the tomatoes can be time-consuming—especially when juggling holiday cooking—it results in a charming dish that will impress your guests. Consider adding cilantro for an extra burst of flavor! Prepare the barley in advance to save time, making this dish a fantastic choice for gatherings.
N/A
Servings
40
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
pearl barley
1/2 cup (soaked and boiled)
diced tomato
1/4 cup (fresh)
diced cucumber
1/4 cup (fresh)
chopped flat leaf parsley
1/3 cup (fresh)
chopped mint
2 tablespoons (fresh)
scallion
1 tablespoon (finely sliced, white portion only)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (extra virgin)
lemon juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
salt
to taste (as needed)
pepper
to taste (as needed)
cherry tomatoes
16 (whole, cored)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the pearl barley in enough cold water to cover it for 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the barley well.
2
In a medium saucepan, bring fresh water to a boil. Add the soaked barley and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the barley is tender, approximately 40 minutes. Once cooked, strain the barley and transfer it to a bowl of ice water to cool for 1 minute. Strain again to remove excess water.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked barley, diced tomato, diced cucumber, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and sliced scallions.
4
Gently stir in the olive oil, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
5
Prepare the cherry tomatoes by cutting out the core, then making two cuts in the tomato to create a flower-like shape. Carefully open up the tomatoes slightly.
6
Stuff each cherry tomato with the barley salad mixture, ensuring they are well filled. Arrange the stuffed tomatoes on a chilled platter and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
0.75g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
1.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Herbed Barley-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Refreshing Cucumber Salad.
Who developed this recipe?
This recipe hails from the Culinary Institute of America.
What type of barley is recommended?
The recipe specifically uses pearl barley, which adds a delightful chewiness to the dish.
How should the barley be prepared initially?
Begin by soaking the pearl barley in cold water for 30 minutes before draining it well.
How long does the barley need to cook?
After soaking, the barley should be simmered in fresh water for approximately 40 minutes until tender.
What is the purpose of the ice water bath for the barley?
Transferring the cooked barley to ice water for 1 minute helps to cool it quickly before mixing with the other ingredients.
What ingredients are used for the salad filling?
The filling consists of cooked barley, diced tomato, diced cucumber, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and sliced scallions.
Which fresh herbs are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for flat leaf parsley and mint, though cilantro is suggested as an optional addition.
How do you prepare the cherry tomatoes for stuffing?
Cut out the core of each tomato and make two cuts to create a flower-like shape, then carefully open them up slightly.
What dressing is used for the barley salad?
The salad is dressed with extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is tagged as a vegetarian and healthy recipe.
How many cherry tomatoes are required for this recipe?
The recipe uses 16 whole cherry tomatoes.
What are the calories per serving for this dish?
There are approximately 40 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The recipe contains 0.75g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving contains approximately 1.4g of protein.
Can this dish be served immediately?
Yes, you can serve it immediately on a chilled platter or refrigerate it until you are ready to serve.
Is this recipe good for gatherings?
Absolutely; it makes for a stunning presentation as an appetizer or side dish for parties and holidays.
Can I prepare any parts of the recipe in advance?
Yes, preparing the barley in advance is a great way to save time.
What part of the scallion should be used?
The recipe recommends using the finely sliced white portion of the scallion.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to taste to season the barley mixture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the barley, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings.
Is the stuffing process difficult?
The process of coring and stuffing the tomatoes can be time-consuming, but the visual result is worth the effort.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
It is recommended to serve the stuffed tomatoes on a chilled platter.
What makes the presentation of this dish unique?
Cutting the tomatoes to create a flower-like shape before stuffing provides a charming and impressive presentation.
Is there a suggested garnish or extra flavor addition?
Adding cilantro can provide an extra burst of flavor to the herbed mixture.
What type of dish is this categorized as?
It is categorized as both an appetizer and a side dish.
Does the recipe include nutritional information for fiber or sugar?
No, the specific values for fiber, sugar, sodium, and cholesterol are not provided in the data.
How long should the barley be in ice water?
The barley should be placed in ice water for 1 minute to cool down.