Barley is a widely used cooking ingredient all throughout the world. It is a highly desirable element in different types of food, mainly because it contains different essential amino acids. It contains tryptophan, methionine and lysine among other components that are good for the human body. In Scotland, people use it for preparing gruel and porridge. In the Middle East, it is used to make traditional dishes like murri, kashk and kashkak. For those who want to learn how to cook barley, they can start with simple recipes such as Polish-Style Barley Soup and Barley Salad with Beans.
Polish-Style Barley Soup
This recipe needs 12 different ingredients including ½-cup butter, 8-cups of soup stock and ¾-cup of pearl barley. Aside from these, it also needs one diced turnip, 2-pieces of diced carrots and 2-pieces of chopped onions. Furthermore, you must also prepare 2/3-cup of sliced mushrooms, ½-cup of chopped celery and one chopped leek. The additional components are 4-tablespoons of sour cream, 1/8-teaspoon pepper and a teaspoon of salt.
In a nice clean pot, pour in the soup stock and then simmer the barley. Once the barley is tender, slowly add the butter. Follow it with the chopped vegetables. Season the dish with salt and pepper. Serve in separate bowls. Put a dollop of sour cream in every serving.
Barley Salad with Beans
This dish is right for people who want a taste of something tasty and healthy. The ingredients for this one include 19-ounces of rinsed and drained chickpeas, ½-cup pearl barley and 3-cups of water. In addition, bring in ¼-cup of chopped green onion, a cup of cooked great northern beans as well as a cup of cooked pink beans. You also need to prepare 1/3-cup of red wine vinegar, 2-pieces chopped and seeded jalapeno peppers as well as ¼-cup chopped parsley. Additional components that are crucial in making this recipe are 1/3-cup canola oil, a clove of garlic, ½-teaspoon cumin, ½-teaspoon pepper and a teaspoon of salt.
Start by putting the saucepan on top of a medium-high heat stove. Pour the water right into the pan and then wait for it to boil. After this, reduce the heat and then add the barley. Cook it for about 40 minutes. Once it acquires a tender-firm texture, take the pan off the heat and drain. Use cold water to rinse and then drain once again. Get a clean serving bowl. Use it to mix the jalapeno peppers, parsley and onion with the beans, chickpeas and cooked barley. Toss the ingredients until they distributed evenly. Get another bowl and then mix garlic, cumin, pepper, salt and vinegar. Mix them well. Pour in canola oil. Mix thoroughly. Pour the mixture right into the serving bowl. Toss the ingredients once again and then serve.
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