How to Cook Barley in a Rice Cooker: Easy

Rice cookers are a must-have appliance in many households around the world. They’ve been used for decades to cook rice with minimal effort, but did you know that you can also cook barley in them?

Yes, rice cookers can be used to cook barley and many grains besides rice. Cooking it in a rice cooker is a no-mess hands-free way of cooking, and the cooker will automatically switch to keep warm setting when barley is finished.

Let’s explore the benefits of cooking barley this way and learn with step-by-step instructions on how to do it yourself. So whether you’re looking to switch up your grain routine or just want an easier way to cook barley, keep reading!

Can You Cook Barley in a Rice Cooker?

Although they were originally designed for cooking rice, most modern rice cookers have settings for other types of grains as well. This means that you can use your rice cooker to make a wide variety of meals, including soups, stews, oatmeal, quinoa dishes, and even risotto. 

The process of cooking barley in a rice cooker is very similar to cooking rice. All you need is the right amount of water or broth, your desired amount of barley, and your trusty rice cooker.

Benefits of Cooking Barley This Way

One of the main benefits of using a rice cooker for cooking barley is convenience- it allows hands-free preparation so you can move on to other things while waiting for your delicious meal to finish up.

No more worrying about accidentally scorching your pot or having too much water boil away before dinner is ready! Not only will it free up your time, but the rice cooker is also easy to clean once you’re finished with your meal. 

Additionally, the even temperature distribution in these appliances ensures that the barley cooks evenly and comes out perfectly each time. With this method, you’ll never accidentally make undercooked or overcooked barley again!

How to Cook Pearl Barley in a Rice Cooker: Step-by-Step Guide

Although barley is a whole grain it is easy to cook and is and straightforward process. The first step is to rinse the barley to remove any dirt or debris. Then, add the desired amount of barley and water to the insert of the cooker.

The recommended ratio is one part barley to two parts water, you should adjust accordingly depending on the machine’s instructions. Once the barley and water are added, turn on the cooker and select the appropriate setting for cooking grains.

Barley to Water Ratio: 1 part barley to 2 parts water

Most cookers have a specific button for grains or offer options for cooking different types of grains like quinoa, bulgur wheat, or farro. The cooking time will vary depending on your machine’s instructions and how much barley you’re cooking.

Generally speaking, it takes about 30-40 minutes for barley to cook completely in a rice cooker. Once cooked, fluff up with a fork while still hot.

Basic Recipe to Cook Barley in a Rice Cooker

Ingredients:

1 cup of pearl barley
2 cups of water
A pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions:

Rinse the pearl barley under cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove any dust or debris from the barley.

Add the rinsed barley to the rice cooker.

Add the water and salt to the rice cooker.

Close the lid and set your rice cooker to the brown rice setting if it has one, as this setting cooks at a lower temperature for a longer period of time, which is ideal for barley.

Let the barley cook. It will typically take around 40 minutes, but this can vary depending on the model of your trusty rice cooker.

Once the cooker has finished, let the barley sit for about 10 minutes without opening the lid. This will allow any remaining water to be absorbed and for the barley to finish cooking in its own steam.

Fluff the barley with a fork before serving or add to other dishes.

Notes:

• Barley expands when cooking, so make sure your rice cooker has enough capacity to handle this expansion.
• If your rice cooker does not have a brown rice setting, you can use the white rice setting, but check the barley periodically to prevent it from getting overcooked.
• You can substitute the water with chicken or vegetable broth for added flavor.
• Don’t forget to clean the rice cooker after each use to maintain its performance and longevity.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture and Consistency

To achieve perfect texture and consistency when cooking whole-grain barley in a rice cooker several tips can be followed: 

Use High-Quality Ingredients

Make sure you use high-quality pearl or hulled barley as well as fresh water. 

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse your ingredients thoroughly before using them, as this will help remove any dirt or debris that may be present on their surface. 

Water-to-Barley Ratio 

For optimal results, when cooking pearl or hulled barley in your cooker, use two cups of water per one cup of grain. 

Soak Barley

Another way to ensure the perfect texture is to soak the barley overnight before adding it to your insert bowl. 

This softens them up making them easier to cook evenly giving you consistent results every time. Cooking pearl or barley without the hull is an excellent way of making perfectly cooked grains without fuss.

Variations and Flavor Additions

Barley is a versatile grain that can be incorporated into a variety of dishes. One of the best things about cooking barley in this way is that it creates a blank canvas for adding additional flavors. Here are some suggestions for adding flavor to your cooked barley:

Herbs and Spices

One of the easiest ways to add flavor to cooked barley is by mixing in herbs and spices. Some popular options include thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Simply mix the herbs and spices before adding them to the barley.

Another option is to use pre-made spice blends like Italian seasoning or taco seasoning. These blends will infuse your barley with complex flavors without any additional effort!

Broth

Another way to infuse flavor into cooked barley is by using broth instead of water when cooking. Vegetable or chicken broth will give your barley a savory taste that pairs well with many different dishes. Plus, using broth instead of water will add some extra nutrients to your dish!

Incorporating Cooked Hulled Barley Into Meals

Once you’ve cooked up a batch of deliciously-flavored barley, there are endless possibilities for incorporating it into meals! Here are some ideas:

Salads

Cooked barley makes an excellent addition to salads! Mix it with fresh greens, chopped veggies, nuts, or seeds, and a simple vinaigrette dressing for a healthy and filling meal.

Some great salad combinations include roasted beet and goat cheese salad with pearled barley or Mediterranean salad with chopped tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese crumbles mixed with cooked pearl barely.

Soups/Stews/Chili

Adding cooked pearl barely can also elevate the experience of eating soups, stews, and chili. The barley will soak up all the flavors in the pot and provide a nice, chewy texture to every spoonful. Add it to vegetable soup, beef stew, or slow-cooker chili for a nutritious and hearty meal.

Veggie Bowls

Another option is to use cooked barley as a base for veggie bowls. Top your cooked barley with roasted vegetables, tofu or chicken, avocado, nuts/seeds, or any other toppings you like for an easy and filling lunch or dinner.

Overall, when you make rice cooker barley you create a blank canvas for experimenting with flavors and incorporating the grain into meals. Get creative with your seasonings and pairings. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this nutritious grain!

Should You Rinse Barely Before Cooking

Yes, rinsing barley before cooking can be beneficial. Barley, like other grains, is often coated with a bit of dust and other fine particles from its time in storage and transport.

Rinsing it before cooking can help remove these unwanted particles, resulting in a cleaner taste.

Here’s how you can rinse barley before cooking it:

• Place the barley in a large bowl.
• Fill the bowl with cold water.
• Swirl the barley around with your hand, causing the dust and particles to float to the surface.
• Pour off the water carefully, trying not to lose any barley in the process.
• Repeat the process until the water is clear.

Do You Need to Soak Barley Before Cooking

Soaking before cooking is not necessary, but it can be beneficial in certain circumstances.

Reducing Cooking Time: Soaking barley can significantly reduce its cooking time. If you have limited time, you can soak the barley in water for several hours or overnight.

Digestibility: Soaking grains like barley can also make them easier to digest. The soaking process begins to break down some of the complex sugars in the grain, making it easier for your body to digest.

To soak barley, simply place it in a large bowl and cover it with plenty of cold water. Soaking time: let it sit for at least an hour or leave it overnight. Then, drain and rinse the barley before proceeding with your recipe.

Types of Barley

Barley is a versatile, nutrient-rich grain that has been used for millennia in cooking. It’s a member of the grass family and is related to other popular grains like wheat and oats. It is also an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a great addition to any diet.

You might be surprised there are hulled and hull-less barley along with other types. Here is a short description of each;

• Hulled Barley: This is the most unprocessed form of barley, with only the outermost hull removed. It’s high in fiber but takes the longest to cook.

• Pearl Barley: This type is more processed with both the hull and bran layers removed, giving it a glossy ‘pearl’ appearance. It cooks faster than hulled barley and has slightly less fiber content.

• Barley Flakes: Similar to rolled oats, barley flakes are made by steaming hulled barley and then rolling it to create flakes. They’re often used for breakfast cereals and baking.

• Barley Grits: This type is hulled barley that’s been cracked into medium-coarse pieces. They’re used in similar ways to corn grits, often served as a side dish or breakfast cereal.

Remember, each type has its unique properties and uses, so the best type to use will depend on the specific recipe or dish you’re preparing.

Is Barley Gluten-Free?

No, barley is not gluten-free. Barley contains a protein called gluten, which is harmful to individuals with celiac disease or those who have a sensitivity or intolerance to gluten.

If you are following a gluten-free diet, it’s important to avoid barley in all its forms, including hulled barley, pearl barley, barley malt, and barley flour. Always check the labels on food products for possible barley content, especially in cereals, bread, beers, and other grain-based products.

How do rice cookers work? Learn why rice cookers are so popular!

Comparing Cooked Barley to Other Grains

While cooked barley has many nutritional benefits on its own, it’s essential to compare it to other grains to understand how it stacks up nutritionally. When compared to white rice or pasta, this barley contains significantly more fiber per serving. Fiber is essential for maintaining proper digestive health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease.

Compared to whole-grain bread or brown rice, cooked barley has similar amounts of fiber but fewer calories per serving. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to lose weight while still consuming nutrient-dense foods.

Additionally, unlike wheat-based products like bread or pasta that contain gluten – a protein that can cause digestive issues for some people – barley is naturally gluten-free. This makes it an excellent option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

FAQs

Barley cooking time and water ratio

One of the most common questions is how long it takes and how much water is needed. The general rule is to use a 1:2 ratio of barley to water.

So if you’re cooking 1 cup of barley, you’ll need 2 cups of water. As for how long they take to cook, most cookers have settings for regular or white rice, brown rice, and other grains.

For barley, simply use the brown rice setting which typically takes about 40 – 45 minutes. It’s important to note that the exact cooking time may vary depending on your specific appliance and the type of barley you’re using.

Some types may take longer to cook than others, so make sure to check on it periodically while it’s cooking.

You can also adjust the water ratio if necessary – for example, if you find that your barley is still too firm after 45 minutes, try adding a bit more water next time.

What are barley groats?

Barley groats are the hulled kernels of barley. They are minimally processed, with only the inedible outer hull removed, retaining the nutritious bran and germ layers. This makes barley groats a whole-grain food source.

They are often used in soups, stews, and salads, and can be ground into flour or cracked to make a form of cracked wheat called bulgur. Barley groats have a chewy texture when cooked and a mild, nutty flavor.

However, because they are less processed, barley groats take longer to cook than more processed forms of barley like pearl barley. If you’re cooking with barley groats, you’ll want to allow for a longer cooking time or consider pre-soaking them.

Using a Rice Cooker for Non-Rice Grains

Another common concern when it comes to using a rice cooker for non-rice grains like barley is whether or not it will damage or affect the appliance in any way.

The good news is that modern cookers are designed to handle different types of grains and are often versatile enough to be used for steaming vegetables or even making soup.

If you plan on using your rice cooker primarily for non-rice grains like barley or quinoa, it’s important to make sure that your model has specific settings for these grains. Some cheaper models may not have these options and may not work as well when used with non-rice grains.

Conclusion: Barley in a Rice Cooker – Step-by-Step

This guide on how to cook barley cooked in the rice cooker has shown it is easy, quick, and produces consistently delicious results. Aside from simplifying the cooking process, you no longer have to cook it on the stovetop.

Packed with essential nutrients including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also known for its ability to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

So go ahead and learn how to cook this grain hands-free! You’ll be surprised at how fuss-free it is!

Try my favorite rice cooker barley recipe.

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!