How to Cook Barley © ehow.com

How to Cook Barley

by eHow Food & Drink Editor

Barley is a whole grain and quite delicious too. Preparing barley properly doesn't require any complicated culinary skills or cooking techniques. You have two choices when you cook barley: pre-soaking the barley overnight or simply cooking barley without any advanced preparation. If you're interested in convenience, then pre-soaking the barley is definitely your best option. Read on to learn how to cook barley.

• Instructions
• Things You'll Need

Difficulty

Moderately Easy

1. 1 Rinse barley first using a strainer. Pick out any debris that might have made it through processing.
   
2. 2 Allow barley to soak overnight in water if you want to reduce your cooking time. Use two cups of water for each cup of barley.
   
3. 3 Decide whether you'll be using water or broth to boil your barley.
   
4. 4 Use 2 1/2 to 3 cups liquid to 1 cup barley. Add your liquid to the pot.
   
5. 5 Bring water or broth to a boil.
   
6. 6 Add barley to boiling water or broth and stir together. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes if you pre-soaked your barley overnight. Otherwise, cook your barley for 35 to 40 minutes.