Barley is a nutritious grain that can be used in a variety of recipes.
Pearled or pearl barley grains have been polished to have their husks removed; they are then steamed and dehydrated. This makes the grain cook faster than unprocessed barley. It is a versatile grain that can be substituted for rice or pasta as a side dish or as an ingredient in a variety of soups and stews and even desserts. Start by learning the basic technique of cooking barley, then try using this nutritious ingredient in a variety of dishes.
Instructions
1. Cook a simple side dish of barley by bringing 3 cups of water to a boil or use chicken or vegetable stock to add flavor. Add 1/2 tsp. of salt if desired. When the liquid is boiling, stir in 1 cup of pearled barley. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and allow the grains to cook for 45 minutes. Fluff the grains and serve. This will make about 3 1/2 to 4 cups, enough for 6 servings. Leftover cooked barley should be covered and kept in the refrigerator or frozen.
2. Make a hearty beef barley stew by heating 1 tbsp. of oil and browning 1 1/2 pounds of stew meat and 1 chopped onion in a large pot. Add 3 cans of beef broth, 1 cup of pearled barley, 1 tsp. of dried thyme, 1/4 tsp. of dried rosemary and 1/4 tsp. of pepper. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, then add 4 sliced carrots and 2 cubed potatoes. Cook 30 minutes or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. Finally, stir in 1/4 cup each of frozen corn and frozen green beans. Season with salt to taste.
3. Try a delicious barley baked pudding by stirring 2 cups of cooked pearled barley (as described in Step 1) with 1/4 cup sliced almonds, 1/2 cup raisins, 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp. grated lemon peel. Place the mixture in a 2 quart baking dish. Mix 2 1/2 cups whole milk, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract and 1/4 tsp. salt and then pour over the barley mixture. Stir this well, then bake in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until set.
Tags: grain that, ingredient variety, pearled barley, side dish