Pearl barley is a grain packed full of fibre and other vital nutrients. Even better, its nutty flavour and texture is seriously delicious, and works perfectly in many different dishes.
Here, we’ve pulled together our favourite ways to use barley in your recipes, from soups and stews, to fresh salads, risotto and even sweet breakfast porridge. It’s a fabulous way to bulk up your meals, keeping you full and your tastebuds happy.
Looking for more winter dinners or grain recipes
01
Three-grain maple syrup porridge
Three-grain maple syrup porridge
This warming porridge uses brown rice, pearl barley and steel cut oats to create a high-fibre and deliciously-textured breakfast. Pomegranate, permission and blueberries add a sweet touch.
02
Lamb shank and barley soup
The lamb shanks can be replaced with lamb forequarter chops in this recipe. Or try this lamb shank and barley soup recipe, which is flavoured with a little curry powder.
04
Chicken and tarragon pearl barley risotto
Chicken and tarragon pearl barley risotto
Pearl barley adds a lovely texture and nutty flavour to this chicken and tarragon risotto.
05
Irish lamb and barley stew
Our Irish lamb and barley stew is made with lamb and vegetables and a pale vegetable broth type consistency. We’ve added barley for a hearty meal.
06
Chicken and barley soup
The bird is the word! Cheep and cheerful, nothing will go to waste with chicken.
08
Broccoli barley salad
This hearty grilled broccoli salad is packed full of fresh vegetable, fragrant oregano salsa and your choice of salmon, fetta or beef.
09
Barley salad with grilled asparagus, tomatoes and parmesan
Barley salad with grilled asparagus, tomatoes and parmesan
The ideal salad: delicious, healthy and filling.
11
Warm barley and vegetable salad
Warm barley and vegetable salad
Serve this salad as an accompaniment to grilled fish or roast chicken, or with crumbled goat’s cheese as a main meal.
13
Sumac fish with barley salad and avocado cream
Sumac fish with barley salad and avocado cream
Sumac-spiced fish is perfectly complemented with a colourful barley salad and tangy avocado cream.
14
Barley, chicken and sesame slaw
Barley, chicken and sesame slaw
This bright, colourful salad is tasty, satisfying and perfect for the lunchbox.
15
Barley, pumpkin and mushroom risotto
Barley, pumpkin and mushroom risotto
Barley is rich in fibre and full of nutrients. It has a lovely nutty flavour and chewy texture, making it a perfect low-GI alternative to a traditional rice risotto.
16
Five grain salad with feta and oranges
Five grain salad with feta and oranges
Packed full of flavour and textures, this delicious salad is super filling and nutritious.
17
Pearl barley risotto with haloumi crumbs
Pearl barley risotto with haloumi crumbs
We’ve swapped rice for nutty pearl barley in this beautiful pea and prosciutto recipe for a flavour and texture explosion. Try finishing your dish off with a sprinkling of haloumi crumbs to create the ultimate comfort food.
18
Rosemary and tomato barley risotto with mozzarella
Rosemary and tomato barley risotto with mozzarella
Mozzarella is rather delightfully known as ‘fior di latte’, literally meaning ‘flower of the milk’. It provides a wonderfully creamy and mild balance to the spice in this rosemary and tomato barley risotto.
20
Barley with pistachios and green olives
Barley with pistachios and green olives
Herb-flecked and fragrant, this colourful salad makes a wonderful lunch, side or light dinner.
21
Beef, barley and mushroom stew with parsnip mash
Beef, barley and mushroom stew with parsnip mash
Barley is a wonderful, healthy and tasty way to thicken a delicious soup or stew such as this one.
23
Pearl barley and cherry breakfast bowl
Pearl barley and cherry breakfast bowl
Packed with cherries, honeycomb and passionfruit, this barley breakfast bowl is the perfect way to start the day. It’s full of fibre, fruit and good sugars, making it suitable for diabetics.
25
Pearl barley salad
This delicious roasted beetroot, broccoli and pearl barley salad is beautiful enjoyed warm with a creamy tahini dressing. It’s the perfect example that healthy, vegetarian food can be delicious and filling!
26
Lamb and barley soup
This hearty winter soup is packed full of filling barley and tender lamb pieces to create a warming family dinner you’ll want again and again.
27
Braised lamb shanks with tzatziki and tomato salad
Braised lamb shanks with tzatziki and tomato salad
Served with grilled pita bread, this beautiful slow-cooked lamb stew is just what you need on a cold day.
28
Spicy salmon mixed-grain sushi
Spicy salmon mixed-grain sushi
Veg it up! Replace the fish with a thin plain omelette or slices of marinated tofu.
30
Beef and barley stew
This hearty beef and barley stew is a great recipe to cook while camping; swap the saucepan for a camp oven and cook over hot coals.
32
Barley and vegetable soup with crunchy seeds
Barley and vegetable soup with crunchy seeds
Keep warm this winter with this beautiful, filling soup with a nutritious seed topping.
