The Benefits of Barley…

“The Benefits of Barley”… Think barley's just for soup?  You're in for a delicious surprise! A winner in the world of grains, jam packed with nutrition.  It fills our beer bottles and feeds our animals.  With a delicious satisfying nutty flavor, chewy texture, it lends itself to hot and cold dishes alike. 

By: Chef Margie Arosh

One of things I always found most confusing is what type of barley to buy. Whole-grain barley requires considerable soaking and cooking but contains the most nutrients and texture.  However, the most popular type for cooking is Pearl or “Hulled Barley” that has the inedible, fibrous outer hull removed by a steam process or polish known as "pearling", yet it still considered a whole grain.

Eating whole grain barley can help regulate blood sugar for up to 10 hours after a meal.  The reason being is that barley contains both soluble and insoluble fibers.  The insoluble fiber slows the absorption of glucose into the blood stream.  The result is a feeling of fullness that also may help control weight.  It is also low on the Glycemic Index.  Foods low in Glcemic Index assist in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and assists in blood sugar and blood cholesterol control.

Barley is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber.  Adding whole grains to your daily diet will add tremendous health benefits and is a great alternative for rice and potatoes.

Pearled barley takes 45 minutes to cook. Whole grain barley takes longer, about 2 hours—but exceeds the pearled variety in nutritional value.  When cooking barley for salads treat it like pasta.  Boil in salted water until slightly tender or ‘al dente’, with a little bite to it.  Strain and rinse in cold water.  Barley can be made into risottos or pilafs or added to soups and stews.

Greek Barley Salad

Ingredients:

·       1 cup pearl barley

·       3 cups water

·       1 cup finely chopped green onion

·       1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

·       2 medium tomatoes finely chopped

·       1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

·       1 cup of crumbled feta cheese (optional)

·       2 teaspoon Kosher Salt

·       ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

·       1/3 cup olive oil

·       2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

·       2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

·       1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Method:

In medium saucepan bring water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil.  Add barley and return to boil.  Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 45 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed.  Combine olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, remaining salt, and pepper.  Pour over hot cooked barley.  Cool to room temperature.  Gently stir in onions, parsley, tomatoes, bell pepper and feta cheese.  Taste to adjust seasoning and serve salad chilled or at room temperature.
Yield:  6 servings
Barley Mushroom Pilaf
Ingredients:

·       1/2 cup sliced fresh button mushrooms
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 package (14 g) dried shiitake or dried porcini mushrooms

·       1 cup of boiling water

·       1 onion, finely chopped

·       2 cloves garlic, finely minced

·       2 cups pearl barley

·       3 cups chicken stock

·       2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

·       2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese  (optional)

Method:
Steep dry mushrooms in a cup of boiling water and set aside for 15 minutes.  Place olive oil in a heated saucepan, add onions and garlic and sauté over medium heat until slightly softened.  Add mushrooms and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes.  Add barley, dry mushrooms, strained mushroom liquid, stock, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 45 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed.  Let stand covered for 5 minutes and stir in parsley and parmesan, taste to adjust seasoning.
Yield: 6-8 servings.