BARLEY, BROCCOLI, AND CANNELLINI BEAN SOUP

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BARLEY, BROCCOLI, AND CANNELLINI BEAN SOUP image

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/3 cup pearl barley
Salt
1 pound broccoli
1/3 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 cup canned cannellini white beans, drained, or 1/2 cup dried, soaked
1 veggie bouillon cube
black pepper ground fresh

Steps:

  • 1. Put the barley in a soup pot; add enough water to cover by 3 in. and a large pinch of salt. Put a lid on the pot, bring water to a slow but steady simer, and cook for about 45 min. or until the barley is tender. Drain when done, collecting the water in a bowl for possible use later. 2. While the barley is cooking, detach the florets and any small leaves from the broccoli and put them in a bowl of cold water. 3. Pare away from the broccoli's main stems, and from the florets' stems as well, the hard, dark green rind and any other tough stringy part. 4. Wash the stems under cold running water, and the florets in several changes of cold water. 5. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add 2 Tbs. salt and the thick main broccoli stems. The salt is to keep the broccoli green and it will not make it too salty. Cook for 7 or 8 min., then add the florets. When the water returns to a boil, cook for another 10 min. or so, then drain. Chop the broccoli rather fine and set aside. 6. Put the olive oil and garlic in a soup pot, turn on the heat to medium, and cook the garlic, stirring frequently, just until it becomes colored a deep ivory. 7. Add the broccoli and cook for 2 or 3 min. turning it over from time to time to coat it well. 8. If using canned cannellini, drain and discard the liquid. Add the drained cannellini beans and barley and stir once or twice. 9. Add enough of the barley's water, and if not enough, plain tap water, to cover by at least 2 in. Put in the bouillon cube and several grindings of pepper, and stir for 15 or 20 sec. Cook at a steady but gentle simmer for about 5 min. Trickle olive oil in each serving.

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