Barley

Hordeum vulgare Grain, Cereal

Barley Grain, Cereal

At a Glance

  • Category Grain, Cereal

The Forktionary Angle

"An ancient grain experiencing a modern resurgence, barley's robust texture and impressive nutritional profile make it a compelling alternative to rice or pasta."

Definition

A versatile cereal grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture, commonly used in soups, stews, salads, and for brewing beer, rich in fiber.

Fiber Content (per 1/2 cup cooked) ~3g
Glycemic Index (Pearled Barley) Medium (20-40)
Water Absorption Ratio 1 part barley to 3 parts liquid

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Barley are:

Nutty earthy mild slightly sweet

Chef’s Secret

Toast dry barley lightly in a pan before cooking to enhance its nutty flavor, adding an extra layer of depth to your dishes.

Best Substitutes

Farro

similar chewy texture
Ratio 1:1

wheat berries

firmer chew
Ratio 1:1

brown rice

different texture
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose hulled barley for maximum nutrition (whole grain) or pearled barley for quicker cooking (less fiber). Store in an airtight container.

Recipes Using Barley

Preparation Time To Make Course Main Dish

Barley With Vegetables

Discover a surprisingly easy and flavorful way to cook barley! This recipe uses your rice cooker to create a delicious and healthy main dish or side, packed with vibrant vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it's ready in under an hour and offers a unique twist on traditional barley dishes. Adaptable for stovetop cooking too!

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4 Hours Or Less Vegetables Oven To Go

Argentine Chicken Stew Cazuela Gaucho

Embark on a culinary journey to Argentina with this hearty Chicken Cazuela Gaucho! This flavorful stew, inspired by the resourceful Jewish settlers who embraced the Gaucho lifestyle in late 19th-century Argentina, was traditionally cooked over an open fire in a clay pot. Experience the rich history and delicious tastes of this campfire classic, now perfectly adapted for your kitchen. A perfect blend of savory chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, this dish is a true testament to the fusion of cultures and culinary ingenuity.

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3 Steps Or Less Refrigerator 3 Steps Or Less Low Fat

Barley And Tuna Salad With Lemon And Dill

This vibrant Barley and Tuna Salad is the perfect light and refreshing summer meal! Made with cooked barley, succulent tuna, zesty lemon, and fragrant dill, this salad is surprisingly flavorful and requires minimal cooking. Prepare the barley ahead of time, then simply combine everything for a make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day! The dill and tuna flavors meld beautifully overnight, creating a delightful culinary experience. Perfect for Weight Watchers (Core or 3 points for Flex), this satisfying salad is a healthy and delicious choice for any occasion. Don't eat it right away though – the flavors really develop after chilling!

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Equipment Preparation Time To Make Beginner Cook

Beef Barley And Vegetable Soup

This comforting Beef Barley and Vegetable Soup bursts with fresh flavor! Simple to make, it's perfect for a cozy night in and easily adaptable to your preferences. Enjoy this delicious, healthy meal made in either a slow cooker or on the stovetop.

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Course Beans Preparation Main Ingredient

Alexandra Soup

A heartwarming and flavorful soup, passed down through generations! This recipe hails from the prestigious "old dough school" (Glasgow West of Scotland College of Domestic Science, now part of Glasgow Caledonian University), featured in their 1967 cookbook. This comforting classic, perfect for Christmas or any chilly evening, combines barley and lentils for a hearty and nutritious meal. Discover the rich history and simple elegance of this traditional Scottish soup.

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Pasta Rice And Grains Grains Pasta Rice And Grains Chicken

Barley Chicken Casserole

This hearty Barley Chicken Casserole is a cozy and flavorful twist on a classic hot barley recipe. Featuring tender chicken, chewy barley, and aromatic herbs, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite! Get ready for a delicious and satisfying culinary experience.

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Winter Beans Main Dish Canadian

Barley Lentil Soup

Inspired by Canadian Living, this warming barley and lentil soup is the perfect autumnal meal! Packed with wholesome grains and vegetables, it's both comforting and satisfying. A simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for a cozy night in. Get ready to savor every delicious spoonful!

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Preparation Crock Pot Slow Cooker Course Dietary

Beef Barley Stew Soup

Warm up your winter with this hearty Beef Barley Stew Soup! A family favorite, perfect for chilly evenings and guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest college students home for the holidays. This recipe boasts tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables in a rich and flavorful broth.

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Main Dish 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make Course

Barley Bargain Soup

This comforting Barley Bargain Soup is a family favorite, perfect for chilly evenings! Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this recipe is easily customizable to your taste. Enjoy a delicious and budget-friendly meal ready in under 3 hours.

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Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Beef 4 Hours Or Less North American

Beef And Barley Vegetable Soup

This comforting Beef and Barley Vegetable Soup recipe is a family favorite, passed down and perfected! We've tweaked it to be lower in sodium without sacrificing flavor – perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal. Enjoy the rich broth, tender beef, and wholesome vegetables in this satisfying and healthy soup. Easily adaptable for slow cookers!

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Preparation Course Low Carb Summer

Barley Tea

Discover the ancient secrets of Mugicha (Japan) and Boricha (Korea)! This roasted barley tea is a refreshing, caffeine-free beverage perfect for hot weather. Known for its cooling properties and ability to cleanse the system, it's a delicious coffee substitute and a soothing remedy for colds and flu, helping to ease congestion and phlegm. Traditional healers have used barley tea for centuries to treat various ailments, including hemorrhoids and inflammatory arthritis. It's even believed to help reduce the toxicity from radiation and chemotherapy. This versatile tea is also a gentle first food for babies and those with sensitive stomachs. Try this simple recipe and experience the health benefits of barley tea today! *Disclaimer: This recipe is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your doctor for any health concerns.*

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Vegetarian Course 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make

90 Minute Wonder Or Less Barley And Mushroom Soup

This incredibly flavorful barley and mushroom soup is ready in under 90 minutes! Featuring tender chunks of browned stew beef for extra richness and a satisfying, warming experience perfect for chilly evenings. A quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal.

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Salads Vegetarian 60 Minutes Or Less Vegan

Barley Bell Pepper Corn Salad

This vibrant and flavorful Barley Bell Pepper Corn Salad is the perfect make-ahead lunch or light dinner! Hearty barley combines with sweet bell peppers, juicy corn, and fresh parsley in a zesty vinaigrette. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this salad is a delicious and satisfying choice for a healthy meal. Get ready to enjoy a burst of fresh flavors!

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Desserts Course Low Sodium Vegetarian

Baked Barley Pudding

Indulge in this creamy, comforting Baked Barley Pudding, a delightful recipe inspired by Toh Magazine. This classic dessert features tender barley infused with warm spices and baked to perfection in individual ramekins. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this 8-serving recipe is surprisingly easy to make!

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Main Dish Meat Time To Make Onions

Barley Chicken And Onions

Experience the hearty goodness of this budget-friendly Barley Chicken and Onions recipe! Barley, a surprisingly versatile grain that triples in size when cooked, makes this dish incredibly filling and satisfying. Juicy chicken, tender onions, and flavorful barley combine for a comforting and delicious meal that's perfect for weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers big on flavor, proving that frugal cooking can be incredibly gourmet!

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Equipment Time To Make Main Ingredient Grains

Barley Mushroom Casserole

This comforting Barley and Mushroom Casserole is the ultimate cozy meal! Perfectly caramelized onions, tender barley, and earthy mushrooms create a rich and satisfying dish perfect for a chilly evening. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will warm your soul!

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Side Dishes Preparation Grains Course

Barley Risotto

This hearty and flavorful barley risotto is a fantastic way to use up leftover roasted vegetables! A delicious and healthy alternative to traditional rice risotto, perfect alongside a roast chicken or as a satisfying vegetarian main course. Easily doubled for a crowd, this recipe is packed with flavor and sure to become a weeknight favorite. #barleyrisotto #vegetarianrecipe #roastedvegetables #easyrecipe #comfortfood

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Meat Main Ingredient Occasion Equipment

Beef Stew With Barley Crock Pot

This hearty, flavorful beef stew, slow-cooked to perfection in your crock-pot, is a comforting classic. A unique blend of spices and the satisfying chew of barley make this recipe a family favorite. No gravy needed! Get ready for tender beef and a rich, deeply satisfying broth.

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