Yup,
I suspect that it is the protein (plus or minus starch) based mucilage
around the flax seeds that is being hydrated. (First year botony was a long
time ago - I'm really a molecular biologist...). Lots of slimey textured
veggies have this sort of mucilage - a good example is seaweeds, or even
okra. I know a couple of people who use this slime as a skin treatment.
Flax seeds are being recommended by nutrionists because they are rich in
Omega-3's. {I won't continue because this is off topic}.
Barley and veggies.
500 g barley (unpearled)
Enough good veggie stock to cover.
1 Chopped onion
1/2 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, corrander, thyme etc etc)
Microwave the barley and stock for 30 minutes (check packet directions for
amount of liquid - it is really variable. 2 stock for 1 barley seems to
work.) Liquid should be fully absorbed. Add veggies and nuke another 5
minutes. Then add the fresh herbs and serve. This makes a nice change
from rice!
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