How much dried lentils, pearly barley etc.

chatta

tanith wrote:

Just a little off topic , my daughter kindly managed to find me some pearl barley in Sainsbury (no go in tesco) I have never actually read the packet before just thrown in a handful. It says that I should be covering with cold water and bringing to the boil , then rinse in cold water again before I cook them... does anyone actually do this and whats it about ? Anyone?

I thought they were poison unless soaked all year Guess its because they get scummy when boiled so a water change stops it I wanted this to be so simple as well :rolleyes: My daughter is home from uni for a week so thought we could experiment together She is sick to death of pasta and mince :rotfl:

hole_in_pocket_2

chatta wrote:

Oh dear, just read this after I have washed and started soaking them, I am using shallots, leeks sweated, then adding carrots and potatos along with chicken and stock. Are you telling me I can now feed my entire neighbour-hood The packet says 24 hours

should be fine just dont add too much "eggcup" more than plenty for 4 servings, watch out for the potatoes turning to mush cos the dried barley/lentil mix needs a long cooking time,better to add the spuds towards the end(check the barley/lentils are nice and soft)

tanith..like you just popped an handful in at the start have never pre-soaked.

tawnyowls

chatta wrote:

I thought they were poison unless soaked all year Guess its because they get scummy when boiled so a water change stops it I wanted this to be so simple as well :rolleyes: My daughter is home from uni for a week so thought we could experiment together She is sick to death of pasta and mince :rotfl:

Kidney beans are the most poisonous, and even then, most of the modern varieties have had it bred out of them, so boiling will usually get rid of any residue - throw the water down the sink along with the toxins, and add fresh water to do the actual cooking.

chatta

Well I have started soaking 2 cup-fulls before I waited for a reply and advice (I was excited) but I read on packet I can freeze it so have enough soaking to last me till Xmas turkey left-overs appear I have also bought chicken and vegetable stock cubes so cant wait to try both of them :j

ashli_2

chatta wrote:

I am going to make soup inspired by the threads here :A I have bought a packet of mixed lentils, pearl barley etc. There is nothing on the packet to say what quantitys I should use, can someone tell me please . I usually work to half a cup of rice per person would it be the same for lentils etc. I am going to soak them overnight first. Thanks for help

I had actually just logged on to ask how much rice per person as I alwasy do too much, so thank you!:D