Dressing – serves 6

• This salad comes from Turkey as is part of the first course, called meza. It is refreshing, healthy and delicious!
• 1 cup pearled barley (If time allows soak barley overnight in water)
• 1 cucumber
• 3 or 4 scallions, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tsp Aleppo chili
• 1 tsp Greek oregano
• 1 tsp sumac
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon juice to taste

Directions

1. 1 Rinse the barley and put it in a saucepan with water to cover by at least 2 inches. Add a large pinch of salt and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the barley is tender, about 20 minutes from the time the water boils. Drain and spread on a plate to cool (if you’re in a hurry, you can rinse under cold water for a minute or so).
2. 2Cut cucumber into bite-sized chunks. Optional: put cucumber in a colander or strainer, and sprinkle with about a tablespoon of salt. Let sit for 20 minutes or so, then rinse and drain well.
3. 3Toss together the first 6 ingredients in a salad bowl. Whisk the next 3 ingredients. Toss this dressing with the cucumber mixture, then taste and adjust the seasoning adding lemon juice. Sprinkle extra sumac on top for color and taste.