Side dishes based on rice, buckwheat, and pasta are just part of the variety. Today we will focus on pearl barley — a nutritious and easy-to-cook grain. To make your dinner successful, it is enough to cook pearl barley correctly. Details follow.
Preparing Pearl Barley
Pearl barley available in stores is generally of high quality. It does not require sorting, but it is still recommended to inspect the grains before cooking. If you notice anything suspicious, it is better to remove it.
Be sure to rinse the pearl barley. There are two ways to do this. The first is rinsing under running water. For this, use a sieve: pour the desired amount of grains and place it under a stream of cold water. While rinsing, sift through the barley with your hand. The entire process will take no more than 2–3 minutes.
The second method is rinsing in a saucepan or deep bowl. Regardless of the chosen container, pour in the pearl barley, cover it with cold water, and gently rub it between your fingers. Then drain the water and repeat the process until the water becomes clear.
You can also soak the grains, although it is not necessary. If you leave the pearl barley in water for 2–3 hours before cooking, it will cook faster. Keep in mind that any grain increases in volume when absorbing water. After soaking, it is better to drain the excess water, add fresh water in the required amount, and only then place the pot on the heat.
How Much Water to Use
Pearl barley requires more time and water to become soft than, for example, buckwheat. We recommend a ratio of one portion of grains to three portions of liquid. However, it is not necessary to cook only in water — many may find this bland. It is tastier to cook pearl barley in chicken or vegetable broth — this is a great tip for those who make broth and store it in the freezer. A pinch of salt is enough for seasoning, but you can also add dried onion or garlic, herbs, thyme, cumin, or curry to the cooked barley if desired.
Cooking Time for Pearl Barley
Typically, pearl barley takes 35–40 minutes to become soft and fluffy, ready to be served as a side dish or for further culinary experiments.
If you are not satisfied with the softness of the grains, you can bring it to the desired consistency by adding a little hot water and simmering for another 5–10 minutes. Be sure to taste the pearl barley while cooking to monitor if it needs more time and water.
Pearl barley can be cooked on the stove, in a slow cooker, in the oven, and even in the microwave.
Cooking Pearl Barley in a Pot
Rinse the grains in cold water, soak if desired, then transfer to a pot and cover with cold water in a 1:3 ratio.
Place the pot on the stove, turn on high heat, and bring to a boil. Once the pearl barley boils, cover with a lid, reduce the heat to medium, add salt, and cook for about 35–40 minutes.
If necessary, add water during the cooking process. Taste the pearl barley shortly before the end of cooking to assess its doneness.
Add spices and butter to the cooked grains. You can sauté it with vegetables (peppers, tomatoes) or serve it separately as a side dish to a hot meat dish.
Cooking Pearl Barley in a Slow Cooker
Place the pre-rinsed grains in the slow cooker bowl, cover with water, and let it sit for a few hours. Then drain the excess water, add fresh water, and add salt and spices to taste.
Set the bowl in the slow cooker, select the “Porridge” mode, and set the timer for 60 minutes.
While the pearl barley is cooking, you can sauté onions, carrots, and garlic in a pan (in vegetable oil or a mixture with butter). When the porridge is ready, stir in the vegetables — the side dish will be more filling and flavorful.
Cooking Pearl Barley in the Microwave
Honestly, this is not the most efficient method. But if there are no other options, pearl barley can be cooked in the microwave. For this, it is better to cover it with hot water and soak it in advance to reduce cooking time.
Cook the pearl barley in a microwave-safe dish — plastic or glass. It is better to use a large container to avoid water spilling over and without a lid.
First, cook the pearl barley at the maximum power of your device for 10 minutes. Taste the porridge. Add another 5 minutes at medium power and continue cooking until the grains are soft and fluffy. You can add butter, salt, and spices to the cooked pearl barley.
