24 Best Barley Recipes To Try

Looking for some delicious barley recipes to try? You’re in luck! Barley is not only a versatile grain but also incredibly nutritious. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups and even as a rice substitute in pilaf. To inspire your culinary adventures, here are some amazing barley recipes to tantalize your taste buds.

Barley With Caramelized Vegetables

First up, we have a mouthwatering recipe for Barley With Caramelized Vegetables. This dish combines the nutty flavor of barley with the sweetness of caramelized vegetables, creating a delightful medley of flavors. The recipe is easy to follow and requires just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup barley
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the barley and simmer for about 30 minutes or until tender.
2. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until caramelized.
3. Add the bell peppers and zucchinis to the pan and sauté until tender.
4. Once the barley is cooked, drain any excess liquid and add it to the pan with the caramelized vegetables.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir well to combine.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Barley Salad with Chicken and Vegetables

Next, we have a refreshing and protein-packed Barley Salad with Chicken and Vegetables. This colorful dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and chewy barley creates a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked barley
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked barley, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the barley salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Barley Pulao

If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you’ll love this recipe for Pearl Barley Pulao. Bursting with aromatic spices and flavors, this dish is a delightful twist on traditional pulao. The addition of barley adds a satisfying chewiness and makes it even more nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash the pearl barley thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a deep saucepan, heat the ghee or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Sauté for a minute or until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for a minute.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
6. Add the soaked barley to the pan and mix well with the onion-tomato mixture.
7. Season with salt and pour in enough water to cover the barley.
8. Cover the pan and simmer for about 25 minutes or until the barley is cooked and the water is absorbed.
9. Remove from heat, fluff the barley with a fork, and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.

Preparation time: 1 hour

These are just a few of the amazing barley recipes you can try. Whether you’re a vegetarian, a meat lover, or someone with a sweet tooth, there’s a barley recipe out there for everyone. So go ahead and explore the versatility of this nutritious grain – your taste buds will thank you!