Try these 5 barley dishes today
What's the story
From soups to salads, barley can be incorporated into many recipes to add texture and flavor.
Barley is an extremely versatile grain and can be used in a variety of dishes.
From being rich in fiber to being loaded with nutrients, barley makes a healthy addition to any meal.
Here are five simple and diverse barley dishes you can try at home.
Hearty soup
Barley vegetable soup
Barley vegetable soup is a comforting dish ideal for cooler days.
Saute onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until soft. Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and pearl barley to the pot.
Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs like thyme or basil. Let it simmer till the barley is tender.
This soup not only warms you up but also delivers essential nutrients from both vegetables and barley.
Creamy delight
Barley risotto with mushrooms
For a twist to the traditional risotto, swap rice for barley for more texture and nutrition.
Start by sauteing some sliced mushrooms in butter until golden-brown. Add chopped onions and garlic; cook until fragrant.
Mix in pearl barley before slowly adding vegetable stock while stirring continuously until the liquid is absorbed and barley is creamy but firm to bite.
Finish with grated cheese for extra richness.
Fresh salad
Mediterranean barley salad
Mediterranean barley salad is what you need to opt for when you want to combine fresh ingredients with hearty grains for a light meal.
Cook some pearl barley as per package instructions; cool slightly before mixing with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion rings, olives, feta cheese crumbles (optional), and lemon juice dressing made from olive oil mixed with lemon juice plus salt and pepper seasoning as desired.
Flavorful side dish
Barley pilaf with vegetables
Barley pilaf makes for a delicious side or a light meal on its own.
Start by sauteing onions and bell peppers until soft.
Add uncooked pearled barley and let it toast for a minute on medium heat.
Pour hot water/broth over it to cover it completely. Boil, reduce heat to low, cover. Simmer gently until liquid is absorbed and grains are fluffy and ready to serve.
Morning boost
Breakfast barley porridge
Start your day on a good note by making breakfast porridge using healthy ingredients like rolled oats cooked along with barley, naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and topped with fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds of your choice, making a delicious bowlful of energy-packed goodness.
This will power your morning activities ahead without you feeling bogged down by unnecessarily heavy meals in the wee hours.