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Barley
One of the oldest barley-based dishes is barley soup, and is made from barley that has been boiled in either water or broth and mixed with vegetables, meats, and/or spices. This soup was apparently consumed 4,000 years ago ancient Mesopotamia, a region in modern day Iraq.
Barley was a common crop within the region, and was widely used within the diet of those who were living there as it was deemed nutritious and filling. Today, we still consider it a healthy food due to its rich vitamin and mineral content. It's a great alternative to white rice, and can be used in baked goods, stews, and salads.
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