15 Barley Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Barley is an ancient grain that many people are rediscovering for its rich flavor and health benefits. You can use barley in a variety of delicious recipes that can brighten up any meal. Versatile and nutritious, it works well in soups, salads, and even risottos.

Whether you’re looking to add more grains to your diet or simply want to try something new, barley offers many options. Each recipe allows you to enjoy its chewy texture and nutty taste while benefiting from its nutritional value, including high fiber and essential vitamins.

1) Classic Barley Soup

Classic barley soup is warm and filling. It combines tender beef, wholesome barley, and fresh vegetables. This soup is perfect for a chilly day.

Start by sautéing chopped onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil. Once softened, add sliced carrots and celery. Don’t forget to include your browned beef for added flavor.

Next, pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings like thyme. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing the heat and letting it simmer for about an hour. This allows the barley to cook and absorb all the tasty flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds lean beef
• 1/3 cup pearl barley
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil.
2. Add carrots, celery, and browned beef.
3. Pour in broth, tomatoes, and seasonings.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.

2) Barley Risotto with Mushrooms

Make a delicious barley risotto with mushrooms for a cozy meal. This dish uses pearl barley, which adds a unique nuttiness and creaminess. You will love how it pairs well with tender mushrooms.

Start by cooking onions and mushrooms until they are soft. Then add the barley and liquids, stirring gently. Let it simmer until the barley is tender. Finish by mixing in cheese for extra creaminess.

This hearty dish is perfect for any day of the week. It’s comforting and nutritious, making it a great choice for dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and mushrooms; cook until soft.
3. Stir in the barley, then add the vegetable broth.
4. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Mix in cheese, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

3) Lemon Herb Barley Salad

This Lemon Herb Barley Salad is refreshing and easy to make. It works well as a side dish or a light meal. The combination of herbs and lemon brings a bright flavor to the hearty barley.

You will need cooked barley, diced cucumber, and chopped tomatoes. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil add delicious taste. A simple lemon vinaigrette ties everything together.

Serve this salad fresh or let it chill in the fridge for a while. It stays tasty for days, making it great for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked barley
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1-2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the barley according to package directions.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked barley, cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, and basil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

4) Cheesy Baked Barley

Cheesy baked barley is a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare. It combines the nutty flavor of barley with creamy cheese, making it a delightful addition to your meals.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). You can use a baking dish greased with butter to prevent sticking.

For a simple twist, add cooked pumpkin or vegetables to enhance the taste. Mix in your choice of cheese for that rich, creamy texture.

This dish is often served warm, making it a perfect side or main course.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pearl barley
• 1/2 cup butternut pumpkin, cubed
• 1 cup grated cheese
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for greasing

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the pearl barley under cold water.
3. In a pot, combine barley and broth; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
5. Mix barley with pumpkin and cheese.
6. Pour mixture into the greased baking dish.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly.

5) Southwest Barley and Lentil Soup

Southwest Barley and Lentil Soup is a warm and hearty dish. It combines barley and lentils, giving you a filling meal packed with nutrients. This soup is perfect for chilly days.

To make it, you’ll start by sautéing onions, garlic, and carrots in olive oil. Then, add spices like cumin to enhance the flavor. Mix in the barley, lentils, and broth, then let it simmer.

You can also add your favorite veggies. This soup is not just tasty; it’s colorful and healthy too. Enjoy it with some crusty bread for a complete meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup barley
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and carrots, cooking until tender (about 6-8 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic and cumin, cooking for another minute.
4. Add barley, lentils, and broth to the pot.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes until barley and lentils are tender.

6) Barley Pilaf with Vegetables

Barley pilaf with vegetables is a tasty and healthy meal. It combines the nutty flavor of barley with fresh veggies for a colorful dish. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, making it versatile.

Start by cooking the barley in broth for extra flavor. You can use either vegetable broth or chicken broth. After the barley is tender, stir in sautéed onions, peppers, and any other veggies you like.

This dish pairs well as a side or as a main course. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the barley under cold water.
2. In a pot, bring the broth to a boil.
3. Stir in the barley and reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes (150°C).
4. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onions and bell pepper until soft.
5. Combine the vegetables with the cooked barley. Season with salt and pepper.

7) Savory Barley Pancakes

Savory barley pancakes are a delicious twist on the traditional pancake. They are perfect for breakfast or a light lunch. Made with barley flour, these pancakes offer a nutty flavor and a hearty texture.

You will enjoy the added nutrition from barley, which is high in fiber. This makes these pancakes a smart choice for a filling meal. Fluffy and light, they pair well with various toppings, like yogurt or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 cups barley flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk or buttermilk
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten

Cooking Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix the barley flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine the milk and eggs.
3. Stir the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Heat a griddle to 380°F (193°C) and lightly grease it.
5. Pour batter onto the griddle and cook until bubbles form. Flip and brown the other side.

8) Barley and Chickpea Stew

Barley and chickpea stew is a hearty and nutritious meal. It’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. You can enjoy it on a chilly day or any time you need a comforting dish.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need barley, chickpeas, tomatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth. Herbs like rosemary or thyme add a nice touch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup barley
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Herbs (rosemary or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat some oil and sauté onion, carrot, and celery for about 3 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in broth, chickpeas, tomatoes, barley, and herbs.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until barley is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy your stew!

9) Warm Barley Breakfast Bowl

A warm barley breakfast bowl is a great way to start your day. It’s easy to make and full of nutrients. You can customize it with your favorite toppings for added flavor.

To prepare, cook your barley according to package instructions. You can use either a pot or a rice cooker. For pearl barley, bring 1 cup of barley and 3 cups of water to a boil, then simmer for about 25-35 minutes.

Once your barley is cooked, add toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey. You can also stir in some milk or yogurt for creaminess.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 3 cups water
• Salt (to taste)
• Fresh fruit (like berries or bananas)
• Nuts (like almonds or walnuts)
• Honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Milk or yogurt (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Add 1 cup of pearl barley and a pinch of salt.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-35 minutes, or until tender.
4. Drain any excess water if needed.
5. Serve warm with your choice of toppings.

10) Barley and Beef Stew

Barley and beef stew is a warm and hearty dish perfect for cold days. It combines tender beef with nutritious barley and vegetables, making a filling meal.

You can use cuts like chuck roast for the beef. It’s best to cut it into manageable pieces before cooking. Using Pearled or hulled barley is important, as instant barley won’t work well in this recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Brown the beef, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Add onion and carrots, cooking until soft.
4. Stir in broth, barley, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 90 minutes at 300°F (150°C).
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

11) Barley Stuffed Bell Peppers

Barley stuffed bell peppers make a nutritious and tasty meal. They are packed with flavor and can be customized to your liking. You can use different types of vegetables, meats, or spices to suit your taste.

Start by cooking barley according to package instructions. Then, mix it with sautéed vegetables, like onion and garlic, along with seasonings. Stuff this mixture into halved bell peppers.

Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. This will ensure the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. Enjoy your delicious and healthy stuffed peppers!

Ingredients:

• Bell peppers
• Barley
• Onion
• Garlic
• Tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper
• Your choice of spices

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook barley as directed on the package.
3. Sauté onion and garlic in a skillet.
4. Mix cooked barley, sautéed vegetables, and seasonings.
5. Stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers.
6. Place in a baking dish and cover.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.

12) Toasted Barley with Nuts

Toasted barley with nuts makes a tasty and nutritious dish. It’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor. You can enjoy it as a side or even as a light meal.

Start by toasting the barley in a pan until it’s golden brown. This brings out its nutty flavor. Next, add a mix of your favorite nuts, like almonds or walnuts, to enhance the crunch.

You can serve this dish warm or chilled. It pairs well with a light dressing of olive oil and lemon juice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup barley
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts (like almonds and walnuts)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the barley in a pan over medium heat until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the mixed nuts and toast for another 2-3 minutes.
3. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss the toasted barley and nuts with the dressing.

13) Herbed Barley Side Dish

Herbed barley makes a delightful side dish. It’s simple to prepare and pairs well with many meals. The chewy texture and nutty flavor of barley add depth to your table.

You can enhance the taste with fresh herbs like dill, mint, and cilantro. A squeeze of lemon juice brings brightness and freshness. This dish is great next to grilled chicken, beef, or fish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup barley
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the barley under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine barley and water. Bring to a boil.
3. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender.
4. Drain excess water and fluff with a fork.
5. Mix in olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper. Enjoy!

14) Barley and Bean Chili

Barley and bean chili is a warm and hearty dish that you will love making. It’s plant-based and perfect for cold days. You can enjoy it during the winter or for game day gatherings.

This chili features pearl barley, which gives it a satisfying texture. You can spice it up with chili powder and other seasonings to suit your taste. It’s an easy recipe that can use pantry staples.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2 cans beans (like black or kidney beans)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add the barley, beans, tomatoes, chili powder, and broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 45 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

15) Creamy Barley and Spinach Soup

This creamy barley and spinach soup is perfect for a cozy meal. It’s hearty and loaded with nutrients. The combination of barley and spinach creates a comforting dish you’ll enjoy.

To start, you’ll need some vegetable stock, creamed spinach, and quick-cooking barley. This soup is easy to make and full of flavor.

You can serve it hot with a sprinkle of pepper for an added kick. It’s great as a starter or a main dish on a chilly day.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups vegetable stock
• 1 package creamed spinach
• 1/4 cup quick-cooking barley
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring the vegetable stock to a boil.
2. Add the quick-cooking barley and cook for about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the creamed spinach and nutmeg.
4. Then, season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!