Pearl barley-to soak or not to soak?

Paulie'sGirl

I only use it in soup, but for a big pan of soup (4 generous portions) I use 2 of my little handfuls, which is one large handful!

kika

Just what I do mo.I love it and even the kids eat it.

mummy2mygirls

Hello i brought some pearl barley the other day so i can use it to help bulk out some dinners.....but i dont know or not sure where to start, tonight we are having a lasagna and wondered should i add some to this? if so how much and do i need to boil it first?? i will be adding lots of veg and also the hidden carrot (one to bulk but also dd hates carrots )
Also whats the pearl barley good to add to???

Also can anyone give me there hm bread receipy?? cheecky me I use the one that comes with the bread maker but it seems a bit thick and also very bland so we only use it for toast really.......also have run out of powdered milk? can i use normal milk instead??and if so how much compaire to the powder??

lots of questions! thanks for reading..

avinabacca

Hey there, normal milk should be fine - I'd be inclined to add it just as you would water, and just remove the water from the recipe.

Something else to try if you want a lighter loaf, is to save the water from boiled potatoes and use that as your liquid next time you make bread. Works a treat for me

mummy2mygirls

thank you, i am trying it with just milk now so will see hwat its like when it comes out!! would never of thought to use the left over from boiled pots! will try that next time...
thanks

newlywed

Hi, I sometimes add a small amount of pearl barley into mince mixtures - it does take a while to cook though so be prepared for it to take longer

Also barley stuffed peppers are good - you part boil it in stock then mix in some veg and fried onions, stuff into a pepper and then bake (I slow cook them).

I've also seen it used as a risotto instead of rice- keep meaning to try this one.... (seen it called barlotto or something )

thriftlady_2

Check this thread out for barley recipes. There are a couple of links on there. Post 17 is a good one.

I wouldn't use barley in a lasagne personally. I think a better way of extending the meat would be to add lentils. i like the green or brown continental lentils which you can add to your meat sauce and simmer till cooked. They're a good source of protein.

Barley can certainly be made into a risotto/pilaff type dish (see the link).
It is really good added to beef or lamb stews or soupd with beans and dried peas in.

mummy2mygirls

thanks for your replies.
will have a look at the tread.
x

jackie_w

Im making chicken soup and was going to add some pearl barley to it. I havent put the soup on and was wondering how long it will take for the pearl barley to go soft IYSWIM.

Also, will this thicken the soup up as I was also going to add potatoes, peas, sweetcorn, onion and carrots along with a chopped cooked chicken breast. Do you think a sweet potato would go nice in it too along with white potatoes? Just looking for a way to use up one lonely little sweet potato lol.

Jackie

PS I migt be posting a couple of questions on here today as Im having a bit of a "cooking & baking" day to try to clear my cupboards.


Jackie xx

SmlSave

Lol I'd put in the sweet potato even though my OH always picks it out.

I'd put the pearl barley in early, I use it a lot but have never looked at times! I know it takes a fair while to sofen up