Description
Barley is a chewy, nutty-flavored whole grain that’s easy to cook and highly versatile. Whether used in soups, salads, or grain bowls, it’s a nutritious and hearty addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup barley (pearl or hulled)
- 3 cups water or broth (for stovetop)
- 2½ cups water or broth (for Instant Pot)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the barley under cold water using a fine mesh sieve.
- For Stovetop: In a pot, combine 1 cup barley with 3 cups water or broth. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer:
– Pearl barley: 25–30 minutes
– Hulled barley: 40–50 minutes - Check for doneness. Barley should be tender yet chewy. Drain any excess liquid.
- Fluff with a fork and serve or use in recipes.
- For Instant Pot: Combine rinsed barley with 2½ cups water or broth. Cook on high pressure:
– Pearl barley: 20 minutes
– Hulled barley: 25–30 minutes - Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Fluff with a fork and serve.
Notes
Cooking in broth instead of water adds more flavor.Soaking barley ahead of time reduces cooking time by 10–15 minutes.Barley triples in volume after cooking—1 cup uncooked yields ~3 cups cooked.Store cooked barley in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.Use cooked barley in soups, stews, salads, or as a rice substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked barley
- Calories: 193
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0.7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
