Indian barley-vegetable mix (Khichdi, more or less )

Ingredients

1/2 cup pearl barley

1/4 cup moong dal or masoor dal (optional)

1.5c liquid: about 1c chicken stock and 1/2 - 3/4 c water.

2 tsp olive oil

1 tsp cumin seeds 1/2 cup chopped onions

1/2c chopped onions

1/2 t turmeric

1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

1/2 cup chopped green, red, yellow peppers

1/2 cup chopped zucchini (unpeeled)

1/2 c unpeeled cucumber, chopped

salt to taste

black pepper to taste

1 1/2 tsp finely chopped green chillies

(or 1 thai chili, seeded and chopped, plus some red pepper flakes and 1/2t cayenne)

2 tbsp chopped coriander

Method:

Cook barley and dal in pressure cooker with 1.5 c liquid about 5 min.

Heat oil. Cook cumin seeds until they pop. Add onions, cook until translucent; add turmeric.

Add half the tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and all the chili + flakes + cayenne, and cook until it's reduced a bit and veggies are mush. Adjust seasoning. Add to the barley/dal mix.

Cook remaining vegetables in microwave just long enough to warm them. Serve them atop the barley stuff, along with fresh chopped cilantro.