This simple Instant Pot barley is easy to make and takes only a few minutes to put together. This versatile side dish can be easily used in place of rice and works with both pearl and hulled barley.
Barley is a tasty grain to cook with. I love it in soups with it's chewy texture but it also works well as a side dish. Using the Instant Pot makes this recipe a breeze.
If you're looking for more Instant Pot recipes, try out my Instant Pot pinto beans, spicy Instant Pot collard greens and Instant Pot buckwheat.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious: Barley is a great way to get your protein and fiber and a delicious substitute for rice.
- Quick and easy: This barley side dish takes only a few minutes to put together. Using an instant pot speeds up the cooking time as well.
- Versatile: Use it as a tasty side dish or in any recipe that calls for cooked barley.
What is Barley?
Barley is a cereal grain that has a chewy texture and a bit of a nutty flavor. It's a whole grain with a high amount of fiber. It's also a great source of protein and some vitamins and minerals, according to Healthline.
Hulled Barley vs. Pearl Barley
There are two different types of barley, hulled and pearl. Hulled barley goes through less processing than pearl barley. Hulled barley has only the indigestible outer hull removed. Pearl barley has both the outer husk and the bran removed.
Uses for Barley
Barley is a super versatile grain. It makes a great substitute for brown rice. Some tasty uses for barley are:
- in a hearty soup or stew
- as a simple side dish
- in grain bowls
- barley salad
- barley risotto
Ingredient Notes
- Pearl barley - You can make it with hulled barley as well. Recipe using hulled is below.
- Vegetable broth - Use homemade vegetable broth or packaged. You can also substitute 4 cups of water for the broth if needed but this will just give it much less flavor.
Please see the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and amounts needed.
How To Make Instant Pot Barley
Using an instant pot is the easiest way to make barley. This recipe only takes a few minutes to put together.
Step 1: To start, rinse the barley and pour it into the instant pot.
Step 2: Stir in the vegetable broth, bay leaf, salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Set the instant pot to high pressure and cook for 20 minutes. Let the instant pot naturally release the steam for about 15 minutes. You can also do a quick release if you are short on time.
Step 4: Open the instant pot, remove the bay leaf, fluff with a fork and serve.
Instant Pot Hulled Barley Recipe
This recipe is for pearled barley, but it can easily work for hulled barley as well. If you're using hulled barley, increase the amount of broth to 5 cups. You will also need to cook for 25 minutes instead of 20.
Storage and Recipe FAQs
Sure. I try to say away from added oils if it's not necessary to a recipe. But if you'd like to add some in I would recommend 1 tablespoon worth.
Yes. You can use all water or a combination of broth and water. The barley will be less flavorful but will still be good. If you are using it as a stand-alone side dish, I recommend using a flavorful broth.
Leftover cooked barley can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure it is cooled before putting in the fridge.
Yes, you can freeze cooked barley although it's better to freeze it in smaller amounts instead of one large amount. Once it's cooled, divide the barley into airtight containers or freezer bags and pop into the freezer. Freeze for up to 6 months.
When you're ready to use it, simply take it out of the freezer and reheat it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or by adding it directly to soups or stews. You don't need to thaw it first.
Side Dish Recipes
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Recipe
Simple Instant Pot Barley
Ingredients
- 2 cup pearl barley
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- First, give the barley a quick rinse using a strainer and add it to the instant pot.
- Add the vegetable broth, bay leaf, salt and pepper to the barley and stir.
- Set the instant pot to high pressure and cook for 20 minutes.
- Let it naturally release the steam for about 15 minutes. Or you can also do a quick release if you're short on time.
- Remove the bay leaf and add seasoning to taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Notes
- Rinsing the barley before cooking ensures there's no dust or debris.
- The instant pot takes additional time to heat up as well as release the steam. So while the cooking time is only 20 minutes, start to finish it will take longer.
Jen says
While I love making rice, sometimes I want a heartier grain. Love barley and making it in the Instant Pot is so much easier.