Grain | Vegetarian Vegan High Fiber

Pearl Barley

Hordeum vulgare Allergens: Gluten
Pearl Barley

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Mediterranean, European
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Barley grain

The Forktionary Angle

"The ancient grain re-imagined: pearl barley's role in modern comfort food and nutrition."

Definition

Barley grain that has been polished to remove the bran layer and often part of the germ, resulting in a lighter color and quicker cooking time.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Nutty, Earthy
TextureChewy, Firm, Slightly slippery
AromaEarthy, Cereal-like
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Cooking Time

Takes 30-45 minutes to cook, quicker than hulled barley.

Dietary Fiber Source

Excellent source of soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucans.

Hydration Ratio

Absorbs approximately 3 cups of liquid per 1 cup of dry barley.

Nutrition Facts

Per 50g (dry, makes approx 150g cooked)
Calories123 kcal
Total Fat0.4g
Saturated Fat0.1g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein3.5g
Total Carbohydrate28g
Dietary Fiber3.8g
Total Sugars0.2g
Calcium11mg
Iron1.1mg
Potassium130mg

Chef’s Secret

Toast pearl barley lightly in a dry pan before cooking to enhance its nutty flavor, or soak overnight to reduce cooking time.

Substitutions

Best Match

Farro

1:1

Similar chewy texture and nutty flavor, excellent in soups and salads.

Wheat Berries

1:1

Chewy texture and earthy flavor, requires longer cooking time.

Brown Rice

1:1

Gluten-free option with a chewy texture, milder flavor.

Quinoa

1:1

Gluten-free, high-protein alternative, quicker cooking, but smaller grain.

Buying Guide

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Look for pearled vs. hulled (pearled cooks faster).

Flavor Pairings

Soups stews salads risottos mushrooms root vegetables.

Recipes Using Pearl Barley

Easy Time To Make Easy Course

2Bleu's Beef Barley Soup Or Chicken Barley Soup

Warm your soul with this hearty and healthy Beef (or Chicken!) Barley Soup! Barley's nutty flavor and chewy texture combine perfectly with tender beef (or chicken) in a rich and flavorful broth. Packed with fiber and bursting with warmth, this comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings. Easily adaptable – swap beef for chicken with just two simple ingredient changes (see recipe notes)! Can't find barley? High-quality pearl barley is available at [www.Nutsonline.com](www.Nutsonline.com). For a vegetarian twist, check out our amazing vegetarian barley soup recipe #390750!

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Course Time To Make Inexpensive 4 Hours Or Less

2Bleu's Vegetable Barley Soup

Warm your soul with this comforting vegan barley soup! A nutritious and flavorful twist on a classic, this recipe boasts chewy barley, tender vegetables, and a rich broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this hearty soup is packed with fiber and bursting with delicious, nutty barley flavor. Easily adaptable to your favorite veggies, it's a weeknight winner! #vegansoup #barleysoup #comfortfood #souprecipe #veganrecipe #easyrecipe

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Occasion Seasonal Fall Dietary

African Pearl Barley Pumpkin Pot

Warm up on chilly days with this spicy African Pearl Barley Pumpkin Pot! This hearty and flavorful dish combines tender pumpkin, chewy pearl barley, and aromatic spices for a truly satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy night in, this recipe is easily adaptable – add chickpeas, potatoes, and curry spices for an Indian twist! Get ready for a taste sensation.

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60 Minutes Or Less Course Healthy 2 Main Dish

Barley Mushroom Stuffed Green Bell Peppers

Savory vegetarian stuffed peppers! These vibrant green bell peppers are brimming with a hearty barley and mushroom filling, seasoned to perfection with herbs and cheese. A simple yet elegant recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Dietary 4 Hours Or Less Preparation Low Fat

Barley Rice Pilaf From Company's Coming

This hearty and flavorful Barley Rice Pilaf is a crowd-pleaser, perfect as a side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course! Customize it with your favorite vegetables – we love big chunks of onion! This recipe makes a generous amount, easily halved or frozen for later. A unique twist on classic pilaf, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

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Meat Diabetic Peppers Grains

Barley Albondigas Meatball Soup

Warm up on a chilly day with this hearty Barley Albondigas Meatball Soup! A zesty twist on classic beef barley soup, this recipe from the Barley Foods Council is packed with flavor and perfect for a comforting meal. Pearl barley cooks quickly and can be prepped ahead – simply cook it ahead, refrigerate or freeze for up to a week. For best results, bring refrigerated or frozen cooked barley to room temperature before adding it to the soup.

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Dietary Main Ingredient Side Dishes Preparation

Barley And Red Lentil Pilaf

This hearty and flavorful Barley and Red Lentil Pilaf, inspired by a classic Good Taste recipe (2001), is a comforting vegetarian dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The nutty barley and earthy lentils combine beautifully with warming spices and tender vegetables for a satisfying and wholesome meal. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Low Carb For 1 Or 2 Soups Stews Low Cholesterol

Barley Burger Stew For 2

This comforting Barley Beef Stew, inspired by Taste of Home's 2001 annual cookbook, is packed with nutritious barley and savory beef. A simple yet deeply flavorful recipe perfect for a cozy night in. Enjoy the hearty goodness of this classic stew!

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Course Oven Pasta Rice And Grains Casseroles

Barley Casserole

Looking for a comforting and delicious side dish that the whole family will devour? This hearty barley casserole is your answer! Tender barley, savory vegetables, and a touch of warmth make it the perfect accompaniment to any roast or weeknight meal. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Low In Something Lunch Main Ingredient Summer

Barley Salad With Tomatoes And Corn

A vibrant and refreshing barley salad, perfect for a summer lunch or side dish. This recipe combines tender barley with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty basil-garlic dressing. Easy to make ahead, it's ideal for picnics or potlucks!

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Preparation Healthy 2 Side Dishes Preparation

Barley Stew With Saffron And Chickpeas

This hearty and flavorful Barley Stew, inspired by Canadian chef Ricardo, is a family-friendly recipe that's easily customizable! Enjoy it as a vegetarian delight with vegetable broth or elevate it to a protein-packed meal by adding shrimp at the end. Bursting with saffron's vibrant color and the comforting flavors of barley and chickpeas, this stew is so delicious, even babies will love it! Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

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Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Grains

Barley Tabbouleh

This vibrant Barley Tabbouleh recipe, inspired by Out of Self magazine, offers a satisfying twist on the classic. Hearty barley replaces traditional bulgur for a more substantial and flavorful salad. Bursting with fresh herbs, juicy vegetables, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing, this dish is perfect for a light lunch, a vibrant side, or a unique dinner option. Prepare to be amazed by this healthy and delicious recipe!

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Vegan Presentation Dietary Vegetables

Barley Vegetable Soup

Discover the ancient goodness of barley in this comforting and healthy vegetable soup! Pearl barley, known for its low glycemic index, stars in this hearty recipe. Unlike other grains, barley provides sustained energy without the blood sugar spike. This easy-to-make soup is packed with fresh vegetables and boasts a rich, savory flavor perfect for a chilly evening or a nourishing weeknight meal. A delicious and healthy twist on a classic! #barleysoup #vegetablesoup #lowglycemic #healthysoup #comfortfood #easyrecipe #souprecipe

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Corn Dietary Pasta Rice And Grains Course

Barley Shrimp And Corn Salad

This vibrant Barley, Shrimp, and Corn Salad is a summer sensation! Featuring tender barley, juicy shrimp, sweet corn, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, this recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a delightful appetizer. Get ready for a burst of flavor in under an hour!

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Preparation Easy Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less

Barley Butternut Squash Pilaf

This award-winning recipe, originally published in the Chicago Tribune's Good Eating section (2008) and adapted from "The Woman's Day Cookbook for Healthy Living," delivers a vibrant and flavorful fall pilaf. Tender barley perfectly complements sweet butternut squash, punctuated by a surprising burst of lemon zest and aromatic herbs. A quick and easy weeknight meal or impressive side dish!

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Low In Something Soups Stews Main Ingredient Meat

Beef And Barley Soup Crock Pot

This hearty and flavorful Beef and Barley Soup is a family-friendly weeknight meal made easy with your slow cooker! Adapted from a beloved newspaper recipe (and improved with reader suggestions!), this recipe delivers tender beef, wholesome barley, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, it's a comforting classic you'll want to make again and again.

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North American 4 Hours Or Less North American Meat

Beef Mushroom Barley Soup

Escape to the backwoods with this hearty and flavorful Beef Mushroom Barley Soup! A rich, savory broth brimming with tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and chewy barley. Perfect for a cozy night in or a rustic gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

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Time To Make Healthy Pasta Rice And Grains Vegetables

Lemon Barley Pilaf

Brighten your dinner table with this vibrant Lemon Barley Pilaf! Perfectly paired with chicken, veal, lamb, or any protein you crave, this 55-minute recipe from Bon Appetit inspiration delivers a burst of fresh lemon flavor and fluffy barley. A delightful side dish that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

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