Barley-And-Spinach Salad With Tofu Dressing

• 1 cup pearl barley (7 1/2 ounces)
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 4 thyme sprigs
• 2 garlic, minced
• Salt
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered (4 cups)
• Freshly ground pepper
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 7 ounces baby spinach (8 cups)
• 1/4 cup basil leaves, torn
• 3 tablespoons chopped mint
• 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 7 ounces firm tofu, drained and crumbled

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the barley, stock, thyme and half of the garlic. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over moderately low heat until the barley is tender, 25 minutes. Discard the thyme. Drain the barley and transfer to a large bowl; cover and keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and cook over high heat, stirring, until lightly browned, 5 minutes. Add the shallots and cook, stirring, until softened, 3 minutes longer. Scrape the mushrooms into the barley and toss. Add the spinach, basil and mint, but do not stir.
3. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the skillet. Add the remaining garlic and cook over moderate heat until softened. Add the vinegar, lemon juice and brown sugar and bring to a boil. Cook until slightly thickened, 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and cook until heated through. Stir in the tofu and season with salt and pepper. Scrape the dressing over the salad and toss. Serve warm.

pearl barley, chicken stock, thyme, garlic, salt, extravirgin olive oil, cremini mushrooms, freshly ground pepper, shallots, baby spinach, basil, mint, sherry vinegar, lemon juice, light brown sugar, grape tomatoes, firm tofu

Taken from www.myrecipes.com/recipe/barley-and-spinach-salad-with-tofu-dressing (may not work)