A Fun Vegetarian Choice: Fiesta Corn and Pepper Saute

January 30, 2015

When I say, a Vegetarian Choice, I of course mean no meat... however, I've had enough experience with my vegetarian friends to understand that meatless doesn't always mean vegetarian. This recipe includes Chicken broth so a vegetarian might trade that out for vegetable broth.  It also has cheese... again, "vegetarian" in my eyes.

Fiesta Corn ad Pepper Saute

GTLF: Vegetables p. 58

Serves 4, working time 25 min., total time 45 min.

1 large tomato, diced

2 scallions, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1/4 C chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 red bell peppers, diced

 green bell pepper, diced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

3 C reduced,sodium chicken broth, de fatted, or reduced sodium vegetable broth

1  quick cooking pearl barley

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

10 oz. package frozen corn kernels

1 tsp. cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

1/3 C shredded jalapeno jack cheese

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the tomato, scallions, lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of the cilantro. Cover and refrigerate the salsa until serving time.

2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil until hot but not smoking over medium high heat. Add the bell peppers, onion, and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened, and out 5 minutes. Stir in the broth, barley, salt, and black pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until the barley is tender, 12 to 14 minutes.

3. Stir in the corn and cook, uncovered, until the corn is just warmed through, about 1 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch mixture, bring to a boil, and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 1 minute longer. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro and the cheese. Divide the corn mixture among 4 plates, spoon the salsa on the side, and serve.

Tips:

1. I suggest that you are strict with the times and the heat in order to come out with the correct moisture.  If you aren't hot enough, the liquid won't evaporate enough.  If you're too hot, the liquid will evaporate too quickly and the saute will be dry.

2. You might feel that this dish won't satisfy enough since it has no meat and seems a little soupy. However, it is quite filling because of the barley.