YOGURT OR BUTTERMILK SOUP WITH TOASTED BARLEY

Yogurt or Buttermilk Soup With Toasted Barley image

I was cleaning out the refrigerator as well as my pantry when I put together this refreshing summer soup. If you can't get organic or Greek yogurt, free of gums and stabilizers, use buttermilk.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories dinner, lunch, soups and stews, appetizer, main course, side dish

Time 2h20m

Yield Serves six

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/3 cup pearl barley
About 2 cups water
Salt to taste
1 cup finely diced cucumber
1 quart plain low-fat yogurt (free of gums and stabilizers) or buttermilk, or a mixture of the two
2 ripe but firm tomatoes, cut in small dice
1 stalk celery, cut in small dice
1 garlic clove, finely minced or pureed with a little salt in a mortar and pestle
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons snipped chives
2 teaspoons cumin seeds, lightly toasted and ground
Freshly ground pepper to taste (optional)
2 tablespoons slivered fresh mint leaves

Steps:

Heat a heavy, medium-size saucepan over medium-high heat, and add the barley. Stir or shake in the pan until it begins to smell toasty, about five minutes. Add the water and salt (to taste, about 1/2 teaspoon), and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, and simmer until tender, about 45 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain and set aside.
While the barley is cooking, place the cucumber in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss and place in a strainer set over the bowl. Allow to drain for 30 minutes. Rinse well and drain on paper towels.
Combine all the ingredients except the mint. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill for one hour or longer. Serve, garnishing each bowl with the mint.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 156, UnsaturatedFat 1 gram, Carbohydrate 22 grams, Fat 3 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 11 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 759 milligrams, Sugar 13 grams