Barley is a high-quality, whole-grain carbohydrate. It contains a good amount of soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood-sugar levels, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and keeping mood stable. Barley is also a good source of vitamin B6, a B vitamin that may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Barley is not a gluten-free grain, so if you have celiac diseasebe sure to read labels and avoid it. Note to IBS sufferers: Barley is rich in fiber, which may cause gastrointestinal upset if you have diarrhea-predominant IBS.
This is a food we used to eat a lot in Britain at one time. I always have it in my pantry to add to soups too.
This is a recipe I have had for years and used to make a lot. Not sure why I haven't done so in a long time.
Barley Casserole
Microwave Magic
6 servings
1 C pearl barley
1/2 C butter
1 lge onion chopped
1/2 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced
3 cups beef broth
1 cup water
1 cup unblanched sliced almonds
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper, or to taste.
Combine all ingredients in a 3 quart casserole. Cover, Cook on high for 45-55 minutes, until barley is just tender. Check for moisture during last 15 minutes of cooking if necessary, add 1/2 cup hot water. Allow to stand, covered, 15 minutes. Taste for seasoning and serve.
Have a great day
I remember my mom having barley, which she would usually add to soup :)
ReplyDeletebetty
Yes, it is often used for soup Betty. But this casserole is delicious, I used to make it a lot. Makes rather too much for us these days.
DeleteI'm a fan of barley. Makes delicious salads as a substitute for rice and has a lovely nutty flavour. I'll be trying the casserole when the weather cools down a bit.
ReplyDeleteNever used it instead of rice Helen, good idea. This is a very good dish.
DeleteHello from A to Z, I'm a new follower. I remember having pearled barley back when I was nursing my children, but the recipe I made wasn't too exciting. This one looks much more tasty.
ReplyDeleteHi Cynthia, nice to see you. This is a tasty recipe, made it a lot.
DeleteI've only had barley in soup. Never seen in as a casserole.
ReplyDeleteYou should try this Denise, you would enjoy it I think.
DeleteGuess I shall have to try this Jo as I'm currently adapting my diet to avoid diabetes.
ReplyDeleteI have had diabetes for years Bob. I eat whatever I like, in moderation. That, of course, is the key, moderation. Actually these days I seem to be fighting hypoglycemia more than high blood sugars since I lost weight.
DeleteI put it in beef soup a lot.
ReplyDeleteYes it's good in soup JoJo but this casserole is very good too. I think Russell would like it.
DeleteYum, love beef barley soup!
ReplyDeleteTry barley casserole then Yolanda, it's so easy in the microwave.
DeleteBarley is not a grain I use. My one son is gluten intolerant but my husband used to like a barley soup his mother made.
ReplyDeleteSusan Says
Pity, it's delicious Susan. I didn't realise it contained gluten.
DeleteI love beef and barley soup but I've never tried a casserole. it's a hearty grain that really stays with you. Sticks to your ribs as they say.
ReplyDeleteHaven't had barley in soup in a very long time Stephen. It does stick to your ribs as you say. Try this recipe, I am sure you will enjoy it. Everyone I have ever served it to absolutely loved it.
DeleteAs a vegan I am surprised that I don't eat barley more regularly than I do - it's a wonderful grain and high in protein too! I'll have to start adding it to more of my recipes - I'm glad I found your blog!
ReplyDeleteIt is certainly a wonderful food to eat and I found the dish above delicious although it does call for butter and beef broth. No doubt there are vegan subs for this.
DeleteI tried to return your visit but couldn't find any kind of a blog. Can you let me have a blog address.
DeleteMum used to make a soup with barley in when we were kids. I haven't eaten it since then. Is that where barley sugar comes from?
ReplyDeleteSo you should get eating it again, it might improve your temper LOL. No I don't think it's got anything to do with barley sugar, but I could wrong.
DeleteI love how hearty barley is. Thanks for the recipe.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes
Jo-Ann Carson
www.lovindanger.wordpress.com
It certainly is a hearty food Jo-Ann.
DeleteSince I have IBS, fibre rich foods do me in. It's funny because barley is one of the foods my mom dislikes a lot especially in soup.
ReplyDeleteYou surprise me Birgit, I have IBS too and can eat these foods with no problem whatsoever.
DeleteGreat post! Thanks for sharing info and recipe. Enjoy the rest of the A to Z Challenge!
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna. Do you have a blog I can visit?
DeleteI appreciate the reminder about barley. I like it but don't feel as though I eat it enough. Nice!
ReplyDeleteThis is an especially nice dish Stephanie.
DeleteYum.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely yum Ivy
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