Lentils and Barley

jack92

I'm making a casserole today and have a couple of questions about lentils and barley. Can I add them dry into my slow cooker, or should I pre-cook them a little first? (in the past I've pre-cooked them, but I don't know if that's a waste of time) Also, I've seen this morning that my lentils and barley are both best before May/June 2005 :eek: - do you think they'll still be OK?

Thanks!

Jack92

squeaky

Most pulses benefit from a few minutes boiling before use in slow cooker because it helps break them down to cook properly. That said, pearl barley and split lentils I usually put in as is if I'm doing a long cook time - it's the bigger whole peas and beans I'll boil.

Out of date pulses, if they've been stored well shouldn't be a problem. Try smelling them in the packs - if they smell the slightest bit "off" or dusty/musty/mouldy then obviously they head for the (compost) bin.

pol

I like to part cook mine too, I think the more they're cooked the better.

I've also eaten dried foods a lot older than that and lived to tell the tale. But perhaps I have a cast iron stomach!

pol

GreenFingers_2

In my Slow Cooker stews I put a tablespoon each of Pearl Barley and Lentils straight from the packet and they always cook properly....

angelatgraceland

So do I but always read the instructions as some things-RED KIDNEY beans for example, MUST be boiled for at least ten minutes at boiling point, otherwise you can poison yourself.No problems with pearl barley or lentils though.