Balsamic Greens with Barley, Raisins, Feta, and Walnuts

You can use pretty much any kind of greens you can find for this dish--spinach, arugula, whatever. Put them together with your local onions, garlic, and feta and serve this as either a main dish or a side dish.

1 cup pearl barley
3 cups water
6 cups coarsely chopped greens
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
5-6 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
¾ cup raisins
¾ tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 cup walnut pieces, toasted
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Place the barley and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and cook until the water is absorbed and the barley is tender, about 30 minutes.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic and onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar and the raisins and stir for a minute or so. Add the greens (you may have to do this in batches) and cook until they are wilted and most of the vinegar has evaporated. Stir in the salt, pepper, and toasted walnuts.

Combine the greens mixture with the barley and feta. Serve hot.

Serves 3-4 as a main dish.