How to Cook Barley

Barley is one of the oldest grains known to man, and is a key ingredient in the distillation of Scotch whiskey. Both hulled (where the hull has been removed) and pearl (which has had the hull and the germ removed) are used in cooking. This page will offer some tips on how to cook barley.

Introduction

  • Barley is used in soups, casseroles, breads, and cakes. It also can be served on its own, or combined with other grains as a side dish.

Step 1: How to Cook Barley

Barley risotto (Creative Commons photo by daryl mitchell)
  • Although barley can be used as an ingredient in several dishes, it's simple to prepare on its own—and very tasty served with butter!

What You'll Need to Cook Barley

  • 3 cups of water

  • 1 1/2 cups of pearl barley

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • Pot, with lid

Instructions for Cooking Barley

  1. Add the salt to the water in a pot.

  2. Bring the water to a boil.

  3. Add the barley.

  4. Cover the pot, and lower the heat to a simmer.

  5. Cook until tender, about 40 minutes. If you used hulled barley, rather than pearl, it will take 90 minutes to cook.

Step 2: Tips for How to Cook Barley

  1. Substitute broth or stock for the water.

  2. Substitute rice for half of the barley.

  3. Add 1/2 cup of nuts or dried fruit after cooking.

  4. Add seasonings such as curry powder to the water.

How to Cook Barley Answers

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