Skip to main content

Stovetop Barley

This fiber-rich grain has a mild nutty 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)

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Green cabbage with strips of chicken on a plate.

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Quick dinner idea combining crisp-tender veggies with ginger, garlic and soy sauce. You can change the veggies and proteins to fit what you have on hand.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Tropical Carrot Salad
Bowl of shredded carrots with pineapples and raisins in a yogurt dressing.

Tropical Carrot Salad

Sweet and savory salad with crunchy carrots, sweet raisins and a creamy dressing.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Eggplant Omelet (Tortang Talong)
Plate of pan-fried eggplant omelet served with rice.

Eggplant Omelet (Tortang Talong)

A delicious Filipino dish of baked eggplant dipped in egg and cooked in a skillet. Try it for any meal!
Prepare:
20 to 30 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 servings
Blueberry Crisp
A dish of baked blueberries with a golden oat topping.

Blueberry Crisp

Blueberries are the star in this low-sugar dessert made with whole-grain oats and warm cinnamon spice.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Savory Oatmeal
Bowl of cheesy oatmeal topped with chopped tomatoes.

Savory Oatmeal

Savory oatmeal is a delicious and comforting meal that can be customized to use ingredients you have on hand.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Lentil Taco Filling
Bowl of seasoned lentils with vegetables garnished with cilantro.

Lentil Taco Filling

A tasty alternative to meat or fish tacos that provides a filling rich in flavor.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 cups