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

Low Carb Crock Pot Slow Cooker Course Breakfast

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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Easy 60 Minutes Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Meat

711 Kirkwood's Barley Casserole

This easy barley casserole recipe is a comforting classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner! Customize it to your liking – add your favorite spices, use ground meat or swap for mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option. Ready in under an hour, this simple dish is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a flavorful and satisfying meal!

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Vegetables Onions Lentils Vegetables

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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Preparation Time To Make South American Grains

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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Dietary Low Sodium Course English

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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Fish Grains Tuna Equipment

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 Grains Poultry Main Dish

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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Preparation Pasta Rice And Grains Inexpensive Vegetables

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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Stove Top Stove Top Fall Vegetarian

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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Time To Make Grains Casseroles Course

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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Main Dish Main Ingredient Kosher Preparation

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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Course Onions Pasta Rice And Grains Vegetables

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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4 Hours Or Less Time To Make Preparation 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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Pasta Rice And Grains Stove Top Preparation 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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Meat Main Dish Preparation Soups Stews

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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Meat Preparation Dietary Beef

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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Pasta Rice And Grains Meat Preparation Crock Pot Slow Cooker

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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Vegetables Main Dish Preparation Comfort Food

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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