Barley

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This barley recipe is wholesome, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile. It’s easy to prepare and serves as a great base for both savory and sweet dishes. You’ll love its pleasantly chewy texture, subtle nutty taste, and how it soaks up the flavors of whatever it’s paired with. Whether you’re looking for a filling grain to add to salads or a hearty side dish, this simple barley preparation is the perfect starting point.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pearl barley or hulled barley
• Water or vegetable broth
• Salt
• Olive oil or butter (optional, for flavor)
• Optional aromatics: bay leaf, garlic, onion

Directions

1. Rinse barley under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove any dust or debris.
2. In a pot, combine barley with water or broth (use 3 cups liquid for every 1 cup of pearl barley).
3. Add a pinch of salt and optional aromatics if using.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer.
   • Pearl barley: cook for 25–30 minutes.
   • Hulled barley: cook for 45–60 minutes.
5. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed to prevent sticking.
6. Once tender and chewy, drain any excess liquid if necessary.
7. Fluff with a fork and serve, or let it cool and use in salads or grain bowls.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 3 cups of cooked barley (3–4 servings).
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time:

• 25–30 minutes for pearl barley
• 45–60 minutes for hulled barley
  Total time: 30–65 minutes, depending on barley type

Variations

• Cook barley in vegetable or chicken broth for extra flavor.
• Stir in herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme after cooking.
• Add cooked vegetables or legumes for a hearty bowl.
• Use barley as a rice substitute in pilafs or risottos.
• Try it chilled in a Mediterranean-style salad with cucumber, tomato, and lemon.

Storage/Reheating

Cooked barley can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or broth to restore texture.

FAQs

What’s the difference between pearl and hulled barley?

Pearl barley has had the outer husk and bran removed, cooks faster, and is softer. Hulled barley is less processed, chewier, and more nutritious.

Is barley gluten-free?

No, barley contains gluten and is not safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Do I need to soak barley before cooking?

Soaking is not required for pearl barley, but soaking hulled barley for a few hours can reduce cooking time.

How much does barley expand when cooked?

Barley triples in size, so 1 cup of dry barley yields about 3 cups cooked.

Can I cook barley in a rice cooker?

Yes, use the same water-to-barley ratio and follow your rice cooker’s grain setting.

What can I use barley for?

Soups, stews, grain bowls, salads, breakfast porridge, pilafs, and side dishes.

How do I know when barley is done?

It should be tender yet chewy, with no hard center.

Can I freeze cooked barley?

Yes, cooked barley freezes well. Portion into containers or bags and thaw when needed.

Is barley good for you?

Yes, it’s high in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients like selenium, magnesium, and B vitamins.

What can I add to barley for more flavor?

Use broth instead of water, and stir in herbs, garlic, sautéed onions, or a splash of lemon juice or olive oil.

Conclusion

Barley is a hearty, nutritious grain that’s as flexible as it is flavorful. Whether you use it in warm comfort foods or cool, crisp salads, this easy barley recipe delivers satisfying texture and nutrition in every bite. With minimal ingredients and countless serving options, barley is a pantry staple worth exploring in your everyday cooking.

Barley

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A simple and wholesome barley recipe that highlights the grain’s chewy texture and nutty flavor. Ideal as a base for salads, bowls, or warm side dishes, and easy to customize with aromatics or broth.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–60 minutes
• Total Time: 30–65 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings (about 3 cups cooked)
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: International
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

1. 1 cup pearl barley or hulled barley
2. 3 cups water or vegetable broth
3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
4. 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional)
5. Optional: 1 bay leaf, 1 clove garlic, 1/4 onion (for added flavor)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Rinse barley under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove any dust or debris.

1. In a pot, combine barley, water or broth, salt, and optional aromatics.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer:
4. – Pearl barley: cook for 25–30 minutes
5. – Hulled barley: cook for 45–60 minutes
6. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if necessary to prevent sticking.
7. Once barley is tender and chewy, drain any excess liquid.
8. Fluff with a fork and serve warm or let cool for salads and bowls.

Notes

• Use broth instead of water for richer flavor.
• Soaking hulled barley before cooking can reduce cook time.
• Cooked barley stores and freezes well for meal prep.
• Add lemon juice, fresh herbs, or sautéed aromatics to enhance flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3/4 cup cooked
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg