Pearl barley and roasted beetroot salad with maple balsamic dressing Recipe

This recipe is a bit different from my usual offerings – not a chickpea or a lump of cheese in sight! Instead, I decided to embrace the looming autumn with earthy roasted beetroot, carrots and leeks. It just goes to show that I should try new things more often, because this pearl barley and roasted beetroot salad was one of the best dishes I’ve made in ages. Heaps of roasted vegetables, with a sweet and sticky maple balsamic dressing, hearty pearl barley, and a scattering of chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch. It made a really gorgeous dinner, but a smaller portion would be great as an appetiser too.

Pearl barley is new to me, though I’ve had the packet in the cupboard for months – probably even since last year (you can tell how…