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)

Chicken Pepper Bake
Bowl filled to the brim with baked bite-size potatoes, chicken and bell peppers.

Chicken Pepper Bake

An easy-to-make chicken recipe with potatoes, peppers and Cajun spices!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups
Quick Chicken Rice Soup
Two bowls of soup filled with rice, chicken and vegetables.

Quick Chicken Rice Soup

A chicken soup that is full of hearty veggies, filling grains and a warming savory broth.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Red Wine Vinaigrette
Jar of vinaigrette dressing served on a salad.

Red Wine Vinaigrette

A combination of Italian spices, bright vinegar and tangy mustard make this a great dressing to use in a variety of dishes.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
½ cup
Bok Choy Salad
Bowl of seasoned, chopped bok choy.

Bok Choy Salad

Add bright flavor and crunchy texture to any meal or snack.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Blueberry Crisp
A dish of baked blueberries with a golden oat topping.

Blueberry Crisp

This low-sugar dessert is made with whole-grain oats, warm cinnamon spice and sweet berries. More berries than topping lets the fruit shine!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Cinnamon Baked Pears
Four pear halves stuffed with walnuts and cranberries sprinkled with cinnamon in a bowl.

Cinnamon Baked Pears

Low-sugar dessert idea with fresh pears topped with cranberries, walnuts and honey.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
4 Pear Halves
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.