Barley salad

I'm having, how to say, a healthy mood. I try to cook healthy food all the time but this one turned out to be "all natural products" dish....








INGREDIENTS
 (recipe for 3-4)

1 full glass of barley
3 eggs
pickled cucumbers (to taste)
10-12 cherry tomatoes
black olives (to taste)
canned artichokes (to taste)
EVO oil  
salt
basil
oregano

1. How to cook barley? It's not difficult but it needs time! Wash your barley carefully to remove excess of starch from it. Then cook it in not less then 2 liters of water for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your taste.  
Drain it and wash under current water for 5-10 seconds, as it results in being too sticky if not. Drain well!!! Don't get discouraged if you cook barley for the first time: it looks grey and not attractive.... Don't pay attention please. Barley has a great quantity of proteins so if you want to avoid eating meat - here we go!!! Healthy!!!!

2. Cut eggs and all the vegetables into small pieces.

3.  Add eggs, veges and herbs to the cooled barley and mix well.


4. What is EVO oil? This is how in Italy we abbreviate  "Extra Virgin Olive Oil".
 Note: Lots of people think that any olive oil is almost the same.
The best oil is coming from the first cold mechanic pressing done in the first 24 hours time after gathering (if not it becomes too acid) and this oil is called Extra Virgin. It has light greenish color and it produces a slight tingling in the throat while tasting. 
The other types of olive oil are produces with the help of the heating or chemicals...

So, garnish with some EVO oil and salt your salad, mix.  
You can decorate it to your liking.... ENJOY!!!!