What is Pearl Barley?
Pearl barley are barley grains have been hulled and the bran layer has been removed. Because it’s not polished like white rice, the grains have a few brown specks and are ivory in colour.
One cup dried pearl barley yields four cups cooked barley. It can be eaten as a side like rice or cooled and used in salads.
How to Cook Pearl Barley
Preparation time: 2 minutes; Cooking time: 30-40 minutes; Makes: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley (yields 4 cups)
- 3 cups water
- Salt to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the pearl barley until the water runs clear.
- Put the washed barley in a pot. Add the water and bring to a boil on the stove top. Simmer, partly covered, over low heat for 30-40 minutes, until the barley is tender to your satisfaction. It will however, always remain slightly chewy.
- Fluff the barley and serve, if serving hot. This will give four cups.
Points to Note
- Please note that barley will always be slightly chewy, like brown rice.
- You can also use chicken or vegetable stock to cook the barley instead of water.
- If using it for salads, spread it on a large plate and let it cool completely.
- Last updated: January 10, 2019
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Step By Step Photos
Wash the pearl barley until the water runs clear.
Put the washed barley in a pot. Add the water
and bring to a boil on the stove top.
Simmer over low heat for 30-45 minutes, until the barley is tender.
Fluff the barley and serve, if serving hot. This will give four cups.
If using it for salads, spread it on a large plate and let it cool completely.
The barley grains will plump up and yield four cups. They will always be slightly chewy.
myfavouritepastime.com Last updated: January 10, 2019
myfavouritepastime.com
My Favourite Pastime 
It’s also wonderful in soups and stews Liz (especially with lamb), and I’ve made ‘risotto’ with it too.
Do you have these recipes on your blog?
Liz
I have a recipe for a sort of risotto with pearl spelt that I have also made with barley (it has bacon and sautéed radishes). I don’t have a soup or stew recipe sorry, but you could start with adding a handful to any vegetable soup when you sauté the vegetables…
Ok next time I am making stew or soup, I shall remember to add some. Thanks for the tip!
Liz