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)

Curried Pumpkin Soup
Bowls of pumpkin mushroom soup garnished with chives.

Curried Pumpkin Soup

A one-pot recipe with creamy pumpkin and warming spices is ready in under an hour.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Crispy Parmesan Baked Fish
Plate of breaded, flakey white fish with slices of lemon.

Crispy Parmesan Baked Fish

Add more fish to your meals with this easy and healthy battered white fish with parmesan and herbs.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
8 Servings
Any Berry Sauce
A serving bowl of Any Berry Sauce is shown with a plate of 3 pancakes that have sauce spread on top and a few fresh berries on the side.

Any Berry Sauce

This easy make-ahead berry sauce is perfect for pancakes, oatmeal or yogurt any time of year.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 ¼ cups
Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal
Display of Apple Spice Oatmeal recipe squares

Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal

This make-ahead baked oatmeal breakfast recipe with fruit and whole grains is kid approved!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
9 Squares (2.5 inches x 2.5 inches)
Grape and Cucumber Salad
Thinly sliced cucumber and grape halves with dressing in a bowl.

Grape and Cucumber Salad

A unique and delicious combination of grapes and cucumber, with a homemade vinegar dressing.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Stovetop Amaranth
Big bowl of cooked amaranth.

Stovetop Amaranth

Creamy and slightly nutty. Add fruit, honey and your favorite spices for a delicious breakfast.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 to 35 minutes
Makes:
about 2 ½ cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.