Before I get to the lentil learnings: we brought these clivias with us from Cape Town.
It's taken 10 years and they are coming into their own.
This is their best showing. Ever. They are particularly special because when we were married 19 years ago today, we hoped that the clivias would still be flowering at the venue where we had our reception. They were. So I never see them and am not reminded of that glorious day.
Back to the barley
Now that summer's approaching (although yesterday's rain and this morning's 4°C) suggest otherwise, I have substituted jars of soup with salad jars at the market. What doesn't sell, we eat. As it was for last evening's meatfree Monday supper. French barley and lentil salad.
Will I do it again?
Yes.
Will I do it a little differently?
Yes.
What went wrong wasn't quite right?
Firstly, the barley needed to be picked over better. Secondly, and... more lentils and more tapenade. The acid balance wasn't quite right: it needed either more lemon juice or vinegar. I have run out of lemons so last evening's dash of red wine vinegar helped. Also, I think it would benefit from double the quantity of fresh herbs: parsely and thyme or celery.
Because it was cold, and I know that unless one is careful with barley, one ends up with blancmange glop, and I didn't want to heat it, so I sauteed onion and Swiss chard (spinach) and served the salad on top of that.
Oh, and on portions: a (repurposed, large mayo) jar comfortably holds 500g. The Husband declared himself starving (what's new?), so I opened two. Even though he had two very generous helpings to my more modest one, there is enough left over for lunch today.
Now, I have to decide what to do for this week's market. Saturday promises to be a glorious 28°C-ish. I will report back as part of my weekly contribution to 
Until next time, be well
Fiona
The Sandbag House
McGregor, South Africa
Photo: Selma
Post Script
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