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

Taste Mood Equipment Preparation Healthy 2

Denny's Vegetable Beef Barley Soup

Craving that hearty, flavorful vegetable beef barley soup from Denny's? This copycat recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home! Enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness packed with tender beef, barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight meal.

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Low Saturated Fat Grains Equipment Healthy

6 Grain Breakfast In The Crock Pot

Wake up to the irresistible aroma of a healthy and hearty 6-grain breakfast! This slow-cooked masterpiece simmers overnight in your crock-pot, delivering a warm, delicious, and nutritious start to your day. Perfect for busy mornings, this recipe is packed with wholesome grains and requires minimal prep time.

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Time To Make Turkey One Dish Meal Dietary

Aztec Casserole

This Aztec Casserole is a hearty, high-protein one-pan wonder, perfect for busy weeknights! Made with tender beans, fluffy grains, and savory spices, this dish is easily customizable – omit the meat for a delicious vegetarian option. Prepare it ahead, freeze for later, and enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal whenever you need it. A crowd-pleasing recipe that's both healthy and delicious!

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Cuisine Pasta Rice And Grains Cuisine Main Ingredient

Barley And Sesame Chicken Stir Fry

This quick and easy 20-minute Barley and Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry recipe from Lorna Sass's "Whole Grains Every Day, Every Way" is packed with flavor and healthy ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe uses leftover cooked barley (or your favorite grain!) and pre-sliced chicken for ultimate convenience. The savory sesame sauce, crunchy vegetables, and tender chicken create a delicious and satisfying stir-fry that's sure to become a family favorite. Pair it with a crisp Chenin Blanc for the ultimate culinary experience!

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Low Cholesterol Easy Preparation Course

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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Poultry Dietary Chicken Course

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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Pasta Rice And Grains 4 Hours Or Less Grains Oven

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 Grains Soups Stews Dietary

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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Oven Kosher Course 4 Hours Or Less

Barley Pilaf

A comforting and delicious alternative to rice! This barley pilaf recipe boasts nutty barley, earthy mushrooms, and savory onions, baked to perfection for a side dish that's both satisfying and elegant. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Pasta Rice And Grains Main Ingredient For 1 Or 2 Pasta Rice And Grains

Barley Pilaf For 2

Forget rice, potatoes, or noodles! This delightful barley pilaf is a unique and satisfying side dish, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion. Hearty barley, bursting with savory herbs and tender vegetables, makes this a recipe you'll want to make again and again. Ready in under 70 minutes!

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Course Grains Time To Make 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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Dietary Technique 15 Minutes Or Less Equipment

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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Easy Healthy 2 Low Saturated Fat Pasta Rice And Grains

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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Beef Dietary North American Beef

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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North American Holiday Event Kid Friendly To Go

Beef Barley Veggy Soup Crock Pot

Warm up with this hearty and delicious Beef Barley Veggie Soup, slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot! Bursting with tender beef, barley, and colorful vegetables, this comforting soup is a complete meal in itself. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying experience. Freezes beautifully for easy weeknight meals.

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Meat Beef Course Occasion

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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Easy Time To Make Equipment 4 Hours Or Less

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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Healthy Low Carb Low Cholesterol Low Fat

Best Ever Beef Barley Soup

This hearty and flavorful beef barley soup is a family favorite! Developed over 57 years of cooking experience and passed down from a talented daughter, Sarahloves2cook, this recipe boasts a unique, kid-approved twist thanks to a secret ingredient: ketchup! It's surprisingly easy to make and delivers a rich, satisfying taste that will warm you from the inside out. Get ready for a delicious and comforting meal the whole family will love!

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