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Sweet Potato and Black Bean Barley


Happy Fall! Normally we never experience fall on the first day of fall as we are usually in late summer heat. Today, however, there's a tropical storm in the Gulf and we are getting strong north winds with much cooler temperatures. Last year on this same day it was 95°, upper 90% humidity, and sticky south winds blowing in the low 20mph. Today, the temperature was only 75°, upper 70% humidity, and dry north winds in the low teens. What a difference.  Too bad summer is scheduled to return in two short days. Until then fall foods! To start out the fall fest, Barely Pilaf with Sweet Potato and Black Beans.

Modifications Made:
Scallions were reduced to half cup.

Scaled for Likability: Great
Finding meatless meals that are filling can be difficult.  Meatless meals like stir fry and lo mein are great and healthy and easy to make but an hour after eating both table counterparts are rummaging in the pantry, the fridge, the freezer.  Three hours after dinner the pantry, fridge, and freezer doors were all quiet and closed.  What is better is the fact the filling meal was so healthy, easy to cook, and versatile.

Omission of the lime, garlic, comino, and cilantro for finely chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and a dash of nutmeg would be a great way to swap flavors from Mexican to fall.    

Edit Sept 24, 2020:
Leftovers were warmed up in a skillet on low and served for lunch with a side salad and was the barely was not sticky, the beans were not dry, and the sweet potatoes were not chewy in texture.  Glad the full recipe was made.

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