Pearl Barley Stir Fry

 

 

 Ingredients

1 cup pearl barley
1 1/2 to 2 cups vegetable stock
1 yellow onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbs olive oil
1 tbs dry white wine (optional)
1 head of broccoli, chopped
Any other veggies you want to add (I put in some spinach and cabbage)
S&P

How to Make Pearl Barley Stir Fry

This one takes a little bit longer to make because of the barley, but is a really hearty and delicious dish!

 In a large, shallow pan, saute the onion and garlic, lightly salted, for about 3 minutes.  Then, add the barley and saute for about 3-5 more.  Feel free to add a bit more oil if it looks too dry.   When the barley is fragrant, add the white wine, stirring constantly.  

Add the stock and bring to a boil.  Simmer covered on low for about 45 minutes until the barley is soft, but still has some bite.  Then, add the broccoli on top and cover for about 3 minutes.  Broccoli should be bright green and tender.  Add S&P as needed and enjoy!

Quick Mexican Style Soup

 

Ingredients

1 tbs oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, diced
1 pinch cumin
1 pinch dried Mexican oregano
1/2 cup dry orzo
6 cups vegetable stock
1 carrot, chopped
3-4 stalks of celery with leave, chopped
1/4 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped
1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
2 green onions, chopped
S&P

 

How to make Quick Mexican Style Soup

This is a very quick soup that is easy and hearty!

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat.  Add garlic, shallot, cumin, carrots, and celery.  Saute for about 5 minutes until very fragrant. 

Add stock and bring to a boil.  Add the oregano, cayenne, 1/2 of the cilantro, and the orzo.  Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 8 minutes until orzo and vegetables are al dente.

Top with the rest of the cilantro and green onions and garnish with lime zest, sharp cheese, sour cream, and/or avocado.

Italian Vegan Vegetable Soup

 

Ingredients

1 tbs olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 14 oz can Italian style diced tomatoes
1 head broccoli
1/4 bunch kale
1/4 cup barley
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 tsp dried, crushed rosemary
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp dried basil
S & P

How to make Italian Vegan Vegetable Soup

This was created while I was craving pizza, but was on a very strict vegan, liver healthy diet (i.e. no bread or cheese and only liver healthy veggies).

In a dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat.  Add garlic and onion and sweat for about 5 minutes. 

Add carrots and celery and some salt and pepper.  Saute for about 3 minutes.  Add tomatoes and about 4 cups of water.  Bring to a boil, add barley and herbs, and then reduce to a simmer.

After about 15-20 minutes, add the broccoli and kale.  Heat until cooked through.

Season with salt and pepper and serve!

It's super easy, but really delicious!

Vegetable Broth with Ginger

 

Ingredients

Vegetables from "Roasted Root Vegetables Recipe"
4 stalks of celery
1 roma tomato, quartered
3 thin slices of ginger (optional)
1 tsp powdered ginger
8-10 cups of water
salt and pepper

How to make Vegetable Broth with Ginger

This recipe was developed from my roasted root vegetable recipe during a liver cleanse that I was on.  The broth is rich and hearty, and will fill you up with with healthy nutrients.

In a large pot, place all of the roughly chopped vegetables and cover with water.  You want about an inch of water above the veggies.

Add any salt and pepper and herbs that you might be using (bay leaf, thyme, etc.).

Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.  Cover and cook for about 2 hours or until very flavorful.

Strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer and either discard solids or puree them with some of the broth and some seasonings.  (I tried this, and I found the broth to be remarkably bland and off putting, even after adding quite a bit of seasoning: soy sauce, peanuts, cabbage, green, cilantro).

Either drink the broth as a clarified soup, or save it for vegetable stock purposes.

Tip: You can freeze the broth in an ice cube tray and then put into a plastic bag for convenient sized use later.