I recommend starting this one before 8:30 p.m.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings.

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds total)
  Note to self: this is really too much for one person to eat, even including leftovers.
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced lengthwise
  I think I interpreted this incorrectly.
• 3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 canned chipotle chiles in adobo, minced
• 2 large tomatoes, diced large
• 1 cup barley
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Chopped cilantro leaves, for serving (optional)

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high. Season chicken on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Working in batches, brown chicken on both sides, about 6 minutes total; transfer to a plate.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and saute until soft, about 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pot (if necessary, add a bit of water to release browned bits).
3. Add garlic, cumin, and chiles; cook until garlic is soft and fragrant, 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and 1 teaspoon salt and cook until tomatoes begin to break down and release their juices, 3 minutes. Stir in 1 cup water and return chicken and any accumulated juices to pot. Cover, reduce to a simmer, and cook 25 minutes.
4. Remove several pieces of chicken and stir in barley, making sure it is completely submerged in liquid. Replace chicken, cover, and cook until barley is tender and liquid has been absorbed, 25 to 30 minutes more. Serve with lime wedges and cilantro if desired.

I’m not especially proud of the photos in this set, but figured I’d share them anyway. I really need to practice my food photography… and possibly get some better lighting in my kitchen.

I thought this recipe was pretty delicious (the chipotle chiles really made the dish), so I’m glad I found it in Everyday Food.