How to Cook Pearl Barley (3 Ways)
Equipment
- 1 medium pot or Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
- 1 fork
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley if you prefer, use hulled barley and follow this recipe. However, it may take about 40-50 minutes to cook on the stovetop and 23-25 minutes on the Instant Pot
- 3 cups water or vegetable or chicken broth for a more flavorful barley. Use only 1 ½ to 2 cups if cooking it in the Instant Pot.
- Table salt about ½ to 1 teaspoon, depending on how salty your broth is. If using water, use 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- BEFORE COOKING: Barley is a healthy grain with a nutty flavor. Before cooking, rinse pearl barley to remove any dirt or debris. There is no need to soak it! However, if you are using hulled barley, soak 1 cup of dry hulled barley in 3 cups of cold water in a large bowl for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Drain and rinse the barley before cooking.
Stovetop Method
- Add the broth (or water) and salt to a medium pot. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Then, add the pearl barley, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes or until most liquid is absorbed and the barley is tender with a slightly chewy texture.
- Using a fork, fluff the pearl barley and garnish with any chopped fresh herb such as parsley or chives.
In the Instant Pot
- Add the barley, broth, and salt to the pot. Lock the lid and turn the valve to seal.
- Set the pressure manually to high and cook for 18-20 minutes (23-25 minutes for hulled barley).
- Let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes, or until safe to open.
- Drain any excess cooking liquid, fluff with a fork, and serve.
In The Slow Cooker
- Add the pearl barley, water/broth, and salt to a slow cooker. TIP: If needed, add more water to fully cover the barley!
- Lock the lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until tender. Drain any excess liquid and fluff with a fork.
Recipe Notes
- Store cooked barley in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for 1 month.
- To reheat, thaw the barley in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in a saucepan with a few tablespoons of water, cover, and warm over medium-high heat for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition
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Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.