Barley with Brussels sprouts and chestnuts

Barley is a cold climate crop and one of the earliest cultivated grains. It has a nutty flavour and slightly chewy texture and makes a warming, satisfying dish when combined with winter vegetables. Instead of the sprouts used here, try carrots, parsnips or pumpkin, or replace the chestnuts with 100g of lightly fried pine nuts or flaked almonds for the last 10 minutes of cooking time.