1/2 c  Barley
1 qt Water
Salt
1/4 c  Finely diced red onion
3 c  Buttermilk
1/2 ts Turmeric
1/4 c  Finely chopped parsley
2 tb Finely chopped dill; -=OR=-
1/2 ts -Dried Dill
1 tb Finely chopped cilantro
1 tb Snipped chives
Freshly ground pepper
1 ds Paprika or herb blossoms
-(if available, for garnish)

RINSE THE BARLEY and put it in a pot with the water and salt to taste.
Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer until the barley is tender,
about 45 minutes. Drain the barley. (The liquid can be reserved to use in
another soup.) Toss the onions into the warm barley to wilt them slightly;
then put the mixture in a soup bowl with the buttermilk. Stir in the
turmeric and herbs and season to taste with additional salt. Cover and
refrigerate until chilled. Serve with freshly ground pepper and paprika or
with a garnish of blossoms, such as chive blossoms, cilantro flowers or
mustard petals. Makes 1 Quart