Grain, Cereal | Vegetarian Vegan High Fiber

Barley

Hordeum vulgare Allergens: Gluten
Barley

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Barley Plant

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, known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture, widely used in brewing, animal feed, and various culinary dishes.

Sensory Profile

TasteEarthy, Nutty, Mildly sweet
TextureChewy, Firm (when cooked)
AromaGrainy, Slightly toasty
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

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

Nutrition Facts

Per 1/4 cup dry (50g)
Calories123 kcal
Total Fat0.5 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein3.5 g
Total Carbohydrate28 g
Dietary Fiber3.8 g
Total Sugars0.3 g
Calcium10 mg
Iron1.3 mg
Potassium120 mg

Chef’s Secret

Toasting dry barley before cooking enhances its nutty flavor and gives it a deeper aroma.

Substitutions

Best Match

Farro

1:1

Excellent substitute for its similar nutty flavor and chewy texture in soups or salads.

Wheat Berries

1:1

Offers a similar hearty, chewy texture and subtle flavor, requiring a longer cooking time.

Brown Rice

1:1

A common pantry staple, provides a similar bulk and texture but a different flavor profile.

Orzo Pasta

1:1

Can replace barley in soups and stews for texture, but is a pasta, not a whole grain.

Buying Guide

Choose hulled barley for more fiber and nutrients; pearl barley cooks faster.

Flavor Pairings

Mushrooms Beef Lamb Root Vegetables Herbs Legumes.

Recipes Using Barley

One Dish Meal Preparation Lunch Beef

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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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Low Carb Low Protein

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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Occasion Occasion Soups Stews Course

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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Asian 30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Broccoli

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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Main Dish Fish Low Fat Tuna

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 Time To Make Preparation Pasta Rice And Grains

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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Easy Dietary Main Dish Easy

Barley Florentine

Cozy up with this hearty and flavorful Barley Florentine! Perfect for a chilly winter evening, this recipe features tender barley, spinach, and creamy parmesan cheese. A touch of onion powder adds depth without overwhelming the delicate flavors. Serve with crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal. Get the recipe now!

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Preparation Grains Equipment Seasonal

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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Grains Pasta Rice And Grains Dinner Party Stove Top

Barley Mushroom Pilaf

This hearty barley mushroom pilaf is incredibly versatile – serve it as a satisfying main course for a vegetarian dinner or a delectable side dish alongside your favorite protein. Earthy porcini and shiitake mushrooms dance with tender barley in a rich marsala wine sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will impress your family and friends. Prepare this delicious dish in just 25 minutes!

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4 Hours Or Less Mushrooms 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 Number Of Servings Grains 4 Hours Or Less

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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Grains Pasta Rice And Grains Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less

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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Stove Top For 1 Or 2 Technique 15 Minutes Or Less

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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3 Steps Or Less Occasion Pasta Rice And Grains Easy

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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Main Ingredient Corn Pasta Rice And Grains Vegetables

Barley Black Bean And Corn Burritos

This crowd-pleasing recipe, adapted from a slow cooker magazine favorite, delivers a hearty and flavorful meal with minimal effort! Skip the burrito rolling and create a customizable burrito bowl bar for a fun and interactive dining experience. Tender barley, savory black beans, and sweet corn combine in a delicious slow-cooked base. Easily adjust the calories by using light sour cream, cheese, and tortillas. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings! (Cilantro optional)

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Lunch Canadian Soups Stews Beef

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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Soups Stews Stove Top Course Equipment

Beef Barley And Dried Mushroom Soup

Indulge in this deeply satisfying Beef Barley and Dried Mushroom Soup! This hearty, stew-like soup boasts a rich, earthy, and smoky flavor profile that will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for a chilly evening, this recipe is packed with tender beef, chewy barley, and fragrant dried mushrooms. Easy to follow instructions and readily available ingredients make it a weeknight winner!

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Low In Something Healthy 2 Low Cholesterol Main Ingredient

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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