Barley Water Recipe Complete Recipe + Ingredients List
What is Barley Water Recipe? – An introduction
Barley, the robust grain that has graced Indian kitchens for ages, is a powerhouse of nourishment. Versatile and hearty, this crop adapts well to a variety of dishes. One age-old concoction, revered for its cooling properties, is barley water—a soothing beverage that springs to most minds at the onset of sweltering summers. Worry not about its preparation; it’s as simple as it gets, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. This refreshing elixir can be tailored to suit your palate, whether you fancy it sweet or tangy. Join me in rediscovering this traditional drink that’s just perfect for the Indian climate and is sure to quench more than just your thirst.
Barley Water Recipe Ingredients List
- ¼ cup Barley ((pot barley
- hulled barley or pearl barley))
- 3 cups water ((4 cups for unsoaked))
- 1 teaspoon rock sugar (or pink salt as needed (optional))
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or as needed)
Barley Water Recipe Recipe
- Begin by selecting a large bowl to house your barley. Remove any unwanted particles that may have mingled with the grains.
- Wash the barley thoroughly under running water, rubbing the grains between your fingers. Complete this action four times or until the water runs clear, then drain thoroughly.
- For optimal results, soak the barley for a minimum of seven hours. Soaking shortens cooking time, eases digestion, and lessens the gluten content and phytic acid found in the grains. Post-soaking, don’t forget to drain and rinse the barley once more.
- To cook in a pot: Place the barley in a large pot and pour in 4 cups of water. Boil it over medium-high heat before reducing the flame to sustain a gentle simmer. Cook for 40 to 50 minutes until the barley turns tender and a bit mushy. Add extra hot water as needed during the process.
- For pressure cooking: Transfer the barley into a pressure cooker and cook over medium heat until you hear 7 to 8 whistles, or until the barley softens. Once the pressure subsides, open the lid.
- Using an Instant Pot: Put the pre-soaked barley along with 3 cups of water—4 cups if not pre-soaked—into the pot. Seal the lid and adjust the vent. Choose the porridge setting and time it to 20 minutes. Release the pressure before opening the lid.
- In cooler regions, barley water is best served warm. However, across Asian countries, room temperature is preferred.
- Strain the barley water into glasses if you desire it plain. It can be sweetened with rock sugar, honey, or another sweetener of your choice. Add a squeeze of lemon to enhance its flavor.
- Don’t waste the leftover cooked barley! Enjoy it with the water, toss it into salads, or mix it with yogurt, garnishing with pomegranate seeds for a refreshing twist.
Healthier Version of Barley Water Recipe Recipe
- Substitute the sweeteners with stevia or a low-calorie sweetener.
- Garnish with fresh fruits like berries instead of higher-calorie pomegranate arils.
- Use just enough water to thoroughly cook the barley, reducing waste and the need for sweeteners.
Barley Water Recipe Recipe Nutritional Facts
Barley Water Recipe is a world dish with a calorie count of 540 kcal calories per serving. Per serving, it is estimated to have 37 g carbohydrates, 33 g proteins, 33 g fats, 1306 mg sodium and 9 g sugar!
To craft an even healthier version of this recipe with fewer calories Barley water, with its deeply rooted history in Indian traditional wellness, is more than just a thirst quencher. It’s a drink that speaks to the soul, promising nourishment and a bounty of health benefits. Whether sipped on a breezy veranda during a sultry afternoon or used as a palate cleanser between spicy mouthfuls, it remains a testimony to the subcontinent’s rich food culture. Embrace this simple yet powerful beverage and watch as it becomes a staple in your diet, irrespective of the season.