Barley is a nutritious ancient grain that has been a diet staple for centuries. Its hearty texture and nutty flavor make it a delicious and versatile ingredient. While most barley takes a long time to cook, reaching up to 45 minutes on the stove, there are some quick-cooking options that can be ready in half the time.
What is barley?
Barley is a cereal grain that comes from the grass family Poaceae. It has been cultivated for over 10,000 years and grows well across the globe, from Africa to Eurasia. Barley grains have a tough outer hull that is difficult to remove. Hulled, pearled, and hull-less are the most common types of barley.
- Hulled barley – Also called whole grain barley, the outer inedible hull remains intact in this form. It takes the longest to cook at around 45 minutes.
- Pearled barley – The outer bran has been polished off pearled barley. It cooks faster than hulled varieties, in about 30 minutes.
- Hull-less barley – As the name suggests, hull-less barley grains have a loose hull that falls off during harvesting. This cuts down the cooking time to about 10-25 minutes.
Nutritional profile
Barley is rich in essential nutrients:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fiber | 6 grams per 1/2 cup cooked |
| Protein | 3 grams per 1/2 cup cooked |
| Iron | 2 mg per 1/2 cup cooked (11% DV) |
| Magnesium | 32 mg per 1/2 cup cooked (8% DV) |
| Selenium | 15 mcg per 1/2 cup cooked (22% DV) |
| Manganese | 0.5 mg per 1/2 cup cooked (24% DV) |
It also contains small amounts of B vitamins, zinc, potassium and calcium. The fiber in barley helps regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. It also promotes digestive health.
Benefits of quick cooking barley
While most pearled and hulled barley can take up to 45 minutes to become tender, quick cooking barley is ready in 15-20 minutes. Here are some of its advantages:
- Saves time – The quick cooking time makes barley an easy grain to incorporate into weeknight meals.
- Easy preparation – Quick barley doesn’t require pre-soaking and can be made on the stovetop.
- Versatile – Quick barley works well in salads, pilafs, soups and more.
- Nutritious – Retains all the nutritional qualities of whole grain barley.
- Budget-friendly – Typically costs the same as regular barley.
Types of quick cooking barley
There are a few varieties of barley that cook faster than most:
Hull-less barley
As mentioned earlier, hull-less barley has a loose outer hull that comes off easily. This reduces the cooking time to 10-25 minutes. It has a creamy, chewy texture and nutty flavor when cooked.
Instant barley
Instant barley is pre-cooked and dried to remove the outer bran. This further cuts down the cooking time to just 10 minutes. It has a softer, mushier texture compared to other barley. Instant barley doesn’t hold its shape as well when used in soups or salads.
Baby barley
Baby barley refers to immature, small barley grains harvested while they are still green. Their soft texture allows them to cook in 15-20 minutes. Baby barley has a milder flavor and tender bite.
Quick pearl barley
Quick pearl barley is partially polished to remove some of the outer bran layer. This helps reduce the cooking time to around 15-20 minutes. It has a fluffier texture and lighter flavor compared to other pearl barley.
How to cook quick barley
Cooking quick barley is simple:
- Rinse the barley – Drain and rinse in a fine mesh strainer to remove debris.
- Use a 2:1 liquid to barley ratio – Combine 1 cup barley with 2 cups liquid like water, broth or juice.
- Bring to a boil – In a small saucepan over high heat, combine barley and liquid. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Simmer – Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until barley is tender.
- Drain any excess liquid – Pour cooked barley into strainer.
- Fluff with fork – Use a fork to fluff up the cooked grains.
Cooking time can range based on the specific variety. Follow package instructions for accurate cooking times. The barley is ready when tender but still has some bite.
Uses for quick barley
Quick barley works well in both savory and sweet recipes:
- Breakfast – Add to yogurt bowls or overnight oats for extra nutrition.
- Salads – Toss with mixed greens, vegetables, nuts and a vinaigrette.
- Soups – Use instead of rice or pasta for heartier soup texture.
- Pilafs – Sauté with onions and garlic, then add broth to cook.
- Casseroles – Mix into veggie casseroles to boost nutrition.
- Baked goods – Add cooked barley to muffins, breads or granola bars.
- Desserts – Swap for rice in rice pudding recipes.
For best texture and flavor, cook no more than 1 day in advance and store cooked barley in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Quick cooking barley brands
Some popular brands offering quick cooking barley include:
| Brand | Variety | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bob’s Red Mill | Pearl Barley (quick cooking) | 10-12 minutes |
| Shiloh Farms | Baby Barley | 15 minutes |
| Roland | Quick Barley | 10 minutes |
| Hodgson Mill | Instant Barley Flakes | 5 minutes |
| Planet Organic | Organic Quick Pearl Barley | 15 minutes |
Check your local health food store or the grain aisle of well-stocked supermarkets to find these quick cooking barley options.
Conclusion
Quick cooking barley allows you to enjoy the nutrients and delicious taste of barley without the lengthy cooking time. Hull-less, instant, baby and quick pearl are some fast-cooking varieties that are tender in just 15-20 minutes. These speedy grains can be simmered on the stovetop then used in an array of recipes from breakfasts to desserts. With its versatility and shortened cook time, quick barley makes it easy to incorporate the wholesome goodness of barley into your meals.