The highly nutritious and fiber-rich pearl barley is a processed cereal. Texturally it is tender & chewy with a nutty fragrance. If you are looking for how to cook pearl barley tender and fluffy on bing, I think you are in the right place.
1. How To Cook Pearl Barley on Stove
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 3 cups water or vegetable/chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: First, put the barley in a mesh sieve and wash thoroughly with running tap water.
Step 2: Transfer the rinsed barley to a large pot, add 3 cups of water, and season with salt. Cover the pot and bring it to a soft boil.
Step 3: Adjust heat to low and cook pearled barley for 25-30 minutes. At every 7 minutes interval, stir it.
Step 4: Check if the barley has tripled in size and turned soft.
Step 5: Turn off the stove, drain the excess liquid, and leave the cooked barley in the pot covered for 10-15 minutes. Finally, fluff it using a fork and enjoy!
2. How To Cook Pearl Barley in Rice Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 2 cups water or vegetable/chicken broth
- 1 fork
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the barley in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water then drain
Step 2: Add the rinsed barley and 2 cups of water to the rice cooker.
Step 3: Stir well, then close the lid and turn on the rice cooker. Cook for about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Once the barley is cooked, let your barley rest for an additional 5 minutes then fluff with a fork. Serve immediately
3. How To Cook Pearl Barley in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 1 1/2 cups water or vegetable/chicken broth
- 1 fork
Instructions
Step 1: First, rinse the barley using cold water. This will help to remove any dirt or debris from the grain.
Step 2: Next, add the rinsed barley and water to the Instant Pot. The ratio of water to barley when cooking in the Instant Pot is 1:1 1/2, this means for every cup of barley will use 1 1/2 cups of water.
Step 3: Seal the Instant Pot and set it to “Manual” for 25 minutes at high pressure. Make sure that the valve is set to “sealing” before starting the cooking process.
Step 4: Let the pressure release naturally: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the valve to release any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Finally, fluff the cooked barley with a fork and serve as desired. You can add some butter or salt for extra flavor if desired.
4. What to Do With Cooked Pearl Barley?
Cooked pearl barley is versatile and can be used in many different ways. Here are some ideas to make the most of it:
Salads: Add cooked pearl barley to grain-based salads. Its chewy texture works well in place of quinoa or couscous. Combine with veggies, herbs, feta, or a lemony vinaigrette for a fresh, hearty dish.
Soups and Stews: Pearl barley is great in soups and stews. It absorbs flavors and adds a nice, hearty texture. Try it in a vegetable soup, beef stew, or chicken soup.
Pilafs: Sauté the cooked barley with onions, garlic, and your favorite spices to create a flavorful pilaf. You can also toss in some dried fruits (like raisins or apricots) and nuts (such as almonds or walnuts).
Breakfast Cereal: Make a warm breakfast dish by cooking the barley with milk (dairy or plant-based) and sweetening it with maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar. Add cinnamon, nuts, and dried fruit for extra flavor.
Grain Bowls: Use cooked pearl barley as a base for grain bowls, layering it with protein (like grilled chicken or tofu), roasted vegetables, and a dressing (tahini or yogurt-based sauces work well).
Stuffed Vegetables: Mix cooked barley with ground meat or beans, spices, and herbs, then stuff into peppers, tomatoes, or zucchini before baking.
Baking: Incorporate barley flour into baked goods like muffins, pancakes, or bread for added texture and nutrition.
Side Dish: Serve the cooked barley as a side dish to accompany grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or stir-fries.
Now, you knew how to cook pearl barley in 3 different ways. Note barley contains gluten. If you are allergic to gluten, you should not eat this grain.