Barley Salad With Almonds And Apricots

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 1/2 cups pearl barley
  • 4 1/2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup dried apricots, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
DIRECTIONS
  1. Rinse barley in a fine sieve. Bring water to a boil in a heavy saucepan. Stir in the barley, and return to a boil. Cover, and reduce heat. Simmer until water is absorbed, about 45 to 50 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
  2. Pour oil into a small skillet, and place over medium heat. Add onion, and saute until golden brown.
  3. In a serving dish, combine barley, onion, apricots, almonds, and parsley. Toss.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together yogurt, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and nutmeg. Pour over the barley mixture ,and toss well to combine. Serve at room temperature.