How to cook barley
Servings: 4 people
- 1 cup (200 grams) dried pearl barley see notes*
- 3 cups (750 ml) water or vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon (½ teaspoon) salt
- Rinse 1 cup dried pearl barley under running water.Bring a pot with 3 cups water to a boil, add ½ teaspoon salt and the rinsed barley.
- Cook on a gentle simmer for 30 to 45 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the barley is tender but with a chewy bite. Stir occasionally.
Nutrition information is an estimate for 1 serving of barley out of 4 servings.
TYPES OF BARLEY
Pearled barley is a semi-whole grain product where both the hull and the bran are removed. No soaking required.
Hulled barley is a minimally processed whole grain where the hull (external membrane) has been removed to facilitate cooking. It reqires 12 to 24 hours of soaking in water. Cooks in 50 to 60 minutes.
STORAGE
Barley is great for meal prep due to its storage versatility:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 4-5 days after cooling for 1 hour.
- Freezer: Freeze completely cooled barley for up to 3 months in freezer bags.
- Thawing: Defrost in the refrigerator, microwave, or by boiling.
