Grain And Greens - cooking recipe

Ingredients

cooking spray
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 fennel bulb, chopped, about 1 1/2 cups
1/2 tablespoon oil
1 -3 garlic clove, finely chopped
3/4 cup red peppers, orange, and or 1 yellow bell pepper, about 1 medium, sliced thin
1 cup pearl barley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
4 -5 cups vegetable broth
1 cup spinach leaves, torn into pieces
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons finely-chopped fresh basil
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparation

Generously coat a large heavy pot with spray oil and place over medium-high heat.
Add the onions and fennel and saute until tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
Add oil and heat until hot.
Add the garlic and bell peppers and saute lightly for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in barley, thyme, marjoram and broth.
Bring to a boil, immediate reduce heat to low and simmer until the liquid is almost absorbed, stirring occasionally, 40 to 50 minutes or until barley is tender.
Midway through the cooking process, add salt and pepper to taste.
When barley is cooked, add spinach, cheese and basil. Stir to blend and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper, to taste.