Skip to main content

Stovetop Barley

This fiber-rich grain has a nutty mild flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
Cooked barley in a bowl.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 45 to 60 minutes
Makes: 3 ½ to 4 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup pearl barley, rinsed (see Notes)
3 cups water
½ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, combine barley, water and salt, if desired. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer until barley is tender, about 45 to 60 minutes.
  3. Drain off excess liquid and serve as desired.
  4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Enjoy cooked barley as a side like rice or in a whole grain salad or grain bowl.
  • Add barley to soups or stews.
  • Enjoy barley at breakfast with toppings you would add to oatmeal, such as cinnamon, milk and blueberries.
  • Pearl barley is found in many grocery stores. It is high in fiber but is not a whole grain because the bran layer has been removed. Hulled barley is the name given to whole grain barley. Hulled barley can be cooked the same way as pearl barley but it will take an extra 20 to 30 minutes to soften.

Comments

I hadn't thought about having barley for breakfast...was stuck with the idea of oatmeal for that meal. Since experimenting with other whole grains, I realize all whole grains, barley included, can be enjoyed in the morning with fruit and nuts or with an egg and chopped onion. thanks!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Master Mix
Glass jar labeled Master Mix with a flour-based baking mix.

Master Mix

Make your own baking mix to have on hand for quick biscuits, pancakes and other recipes.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Baked Cinnamon Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips sprinkled with cinnamon are displayed on a platter with a bowl of peach salsa for dipping.

Baked Cinnamon Tortilla Chips

Simple and quick treat to dip in any of our fruit salsas.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
24 Chips
Soulful Seasoning
Bowl of seasoning mix.

Soulful Seasoning

Comforting flavors of garlic, onion and thyme, with spicy red pepper and smoky paprika make this a versatile seasoning for veggies, meats, rice, tofu and soups.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
10 Tablespoons
Green and Orange Chicken Salad
Large bowl of mandarin orange and chicken salad.

Green and Orange Chicken Salad

A bright and flavorful salad with a toasty soy dressing.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
12 cups
Tomato Melt
Plate of english muffin halves with cheese and a tomato slice.

Tomato Melt

Warm and toasty English muffins make this a quick and satisfying meal.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
6 to 8 minutes
Makes:
4 muffin halves
Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Plate of bite-sized cookies with a gooey jam center.

Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

This classic cookie is tender, buttery, and sweet. Topped with fruit jam.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
15 cookies
Was this page helpful to you?