BARLEY AND CORN SALAD WITH BASIL CHIVE DRESSING

Barley and Corn Salad with Basil Chive Dressing image

Yield Makes 4 to 6 side-dish servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups plus 1 tablespoon water
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick-cooking barley
2 cups corn (from about 4 ears)
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 1/2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 Belgian endives (about 1 lb total), trimmed and sliced crosswise 1/2 inch thick

Steps:

Bring 2 cups water with 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil in a 1 1/2-quart saucepan. Stir in barley, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until barley is tender, about 10 minutes.
While barley simmers, blanch corn in a 1 1/2- to 2 1/2-quart saucepan of boiling water 1 minute, then drain in a large sieve and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking. Drain again and pat dry, then transfer to a large bowl.
Remove barley from heat (when tender) and let stand, covered, 5 minutes.
While barley stands, pulse oil, basil, chives, vinegar, sugar, pepper, remaining tablespoon water, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a blender until herbs are finely chopped.
Drain barley well in large sieve and add to corn in bowl, then add endives and dressing, tossing to combine.