Saturday, April 2, 2016

B is for Barley

Barley (Pearl Barley)
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

33 comments:

  1. I remember my mom having barley, which she would usually add to soup :)

    betty

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    1. 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.

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  2. I'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.

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    1. Never used it instead of rice Helen, good idea. This is a very good dish.

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  3. Hello 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.

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    1. Hi Cynthia, nice to see you. This is a tasty recipe, made it a lot.

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  4. I've only had barley in soup. Never seen in as a casserole.

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    1. You should try this Denise, you would enjoy it I think.

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  5. Guess I shall have to try this Jo as I'm currently adapting my diet to avoid diabetes.

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    1. I 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.

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  6. I put it in beef soup a lot.

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    1. Yes it's good in soup JoJo but this casserole is very good too. I think Russell would like it.

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    1. Try barley casserole then Yolanda, it's so easy in the microwave.

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  8. Barley is not a grain I use. My one son is gluten intolerant but my husband used to like a barley soup his mother made.
    Susan Says

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    1. Pity, it's delicious Susan. I didn't realise it contained gluten.

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  9. I 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.

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    1. Haven'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.

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  10. As 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!

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    1. It 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.

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    2. I tried to return your visit but couldn't find any kind of a blog. Can you let me have a blog address.

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  11. Mum 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?

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    1. So 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.

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  12. I love how hearty barley is. Thanks for the recipe.
    Best Wishes
    Jo-Ann Carson
    www.lovindanger.wordpress.com

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  13. Since 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.

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    1. You surprise me Birgit, I have IBS too and can eat these foods with no problem whatsoever.

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  14. Great post! Thanks for sharing info and recipe. Enjoy the rest of the A to Z Challenge!

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    1. Thanks Donna. Do you have a blog I can visit?

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  15. I appreciate the reminder about barley. I like it but don't feel as though I eat it enough. Nice!

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    1. This is an especially nice dish Stephanie.

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