Mushroom Barley Salad

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 1/4 pounds mixed mushrooms, trimmed and sliced if necessary
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 shallot, minced
• 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar, divided
• 1/2 cup creme fraiche or plain yogurt
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 3 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 small heads Bibb lettuce, separated, leaves quartered if large
• 1 1/2 cups cooked barley (from 1/2 cup uncooked)
• 1/2 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts
• 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

DIRECTIONS

1. STEP 1

   Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook half the mushrooms with 1/2 teaspoon salt, stirring occasionally, until deep golden, about 5 minutes, and transfer to a bowl. Repeat with 1 tablespoon oil, remaining mushrooms, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook shallot in 1 tablespoon oil over low heat until softened. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and simmer until reduced by half.

2. STEP 2

   Remove from heat; whisk in creme fraiche/plain yogurt and remaining tablespoon vinegar. Whisk in remaining 5 tablespoons oil until combined. Add chives and thyme, and season with salt and pepper; let cool. Combine lettuce, barley, mushrooms, nuts, and parsley. Add dressing, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

Delicious and filling salad from Martha Stewart living.  A great winter salad that is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.  If you are vegan or dairy free you can eliminate the creme fraiche/plain yogurt easily without ruining the recipe.  We added roasted peeled chopped beets for some color!