Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (2024)

Nov 20, 2016(Last updated Nov 29, 2023)by Hannah Sunderani

Easy Barley Porridge (Vegan)

Switch up your morning with this Easy Barley Porridge Recipe! It’s equally as thick and creamy as a wholesome bowl of oats, but stars pearl barley as the main ingredient! All you need is 3 ingredients and 30 minutes to whip up this winter breakfast porridge!

Now that it’sofficially freezing,I’ve been relying on this new vegan breakfast recipe to warm up my mornings. I must admit tthat I’ve perfected this barley porridge, and honestly I don’t know what took me so long to cast this gorgeous grain as the star of my breakfast bowl. It offers a deep, wheat-y, full-bodied flavour that is a welcome change from my typicalOatmeal RecipeorOvernight Oats.

Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (1)

What is Barley?

Before getting into the details, I wanted to make sure to answer the question that might be rolling around your head right about now…is barley a type of oat? grain? seed?

Barley is a cereal grain that belongs to the grass family, Poaceae, and is closely related to wheat (not a recipe for my gluten-free foodies!), oats, rye, and millet. It’s actually one of the oldest cultivated grains and has been used as a food source on several continents for thousands of years and packsnumerous health benefits and essential nutrientsin every spoonful!

I had originally ruled out barley cereal as a breakfast porridge option due to the size of the large and pearly grains, thinking it was better suited as a great alternative torice puddingor tossed insweet and savoury salads. But, it’s actually quite easy to transform barley into a hearty porridge suitable for the first meal of the day. More importantly, it doesn’t require any special appliances or modifications!

Now, when you go to your local grocery store to pick up a bag, you may find that there are a few to choose from. For this porridge recipe, I recommend picking up pearl barley, not hulled barley. While hulled barley is technically more nutritious as it contains the outer shell, it’s similar to oat groats, and is barley in its most unprocessed form. It takes a lot longer to cook, and when it comes to making the best, creamy breakfast porridge, hulled barley isn’t as desirable in texture as pearl barley.

Cooked pearl barley is simply thick, creamy, and has a porridge-like consistency the whole family will crave all winter season long!

Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (2)

This Barley Porridge is….

  • The perfect sweet porridge recipe
  • Naturally vegan
  • Meal-prep friendly
  • Chewy in texture
  • Hearty
  • Customizable
  • Heart healthy
  • Rich in dietary fiber
Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (3)

Ingredient Notes

Just like mySteel Cut Oatmeal recipeand dreamyBuckwheat Porridge, this barley porridge requires just3 easy ingredients:

  • Pearl barley:Make sure to purchase whole pearled barley (not barley flakes or barley flour!). It’s typically light in colour, has a smooth outer texture, and looks like a large round grain.
  • Almond milk:I prefer the natural creaminess of myhomemade almond milk recipe, but you are welcome to use any plain or very lightly sweetened plant-based milk of choice. If you prefer a creamier porridge (like myQuinoa Porridge!) or are accustomed to the richness of whole milk, try coconut milk orhomemade oat milk.
  • Maple syrup:As always, adding sweetener is optional, but a touch of sweetness helps to sweeten the pearly barley porridge and turns it into a sweet breakfast porridge. If you don’t enjoy maple, you can also try agave, date syrup, or a couple of tablespoons of coconut sugar or brown sugar.
  • Sea salt:A small pinch helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the nutty flavours in the whole grain. If you are using kosher salt, you may want to use a bit more (about 1/2 teaspoon), as kosher salt’s larger flakes are less salty tasting than small-grain sea salt.
Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (4)

How to Make Barley Porridge

Before bringing to a gentle simmer, I highly recommend pulsing the barley in a high speed blender until coarsely chopped. The grains should be broken into smaller pieces, but not blended for so long that they become a barley flour! This is essential to helping it cook into a uniform creamy texture, very similar to a bowl ofInstant Pot Steel Cut OatmealorAmaranth Porridge.

Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (5)
Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (6)

Once broken into smaller pieces, transfer the pearl barley to a medium saucepan, along with your choice of milk, maple syrup, if using, and a pinch of sea salt.

Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the barley porridge to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally to help prevent the porridge from sticking to the bottom of the pot. After 25 to 30 minutes, this vegan barley recipe should be soft, thickened, and have a pleasantly chewy texture.

Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (7)
Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (8)
Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (9)

If as it cooks, it becomes too thick or you prefer a softer texture, add a few more splashes of almond milk to keep it thinned to your desired consistency and cook until softened to your taste.

Finally, transfer the creamy porridge to individual serving bowls, top with your desired toppings and serve while warm and comforting. Enjoy!

Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (10)

Serving Suggestions

I love topping my porridge with pre-frozen mixed berries that have been thawed overnight in the fridge and a few fresh figs. It’s effortless, delish, and the perfect, affordable way to incorporate ripe berries into your diet during the winter season. The sweet, juicy berries pair with the deep and creamy flavours in the pearled barley and creates an amazing, thick jammy texture that’s so simple, yet decadent as can be.

Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (11)

Other favourite topping ideas of mine? Try other fresh fruit such as sliced banana (if you haven’t already, trying myCaramelized Bananasis a MUST), fresh berries or sautéed apples. Then, try sprinkling on some hemp hearts, chia seeds, chopped nuts, toasted coconut flakes, or a dollop of nut butters like peanut butter or almond butter. Any of these would add the perfect flavour and crunch!

Storage Instructions

Leftover barley porridge will keep for up to 5 days in an air-tight container in the fridge. Reheated porridge is just as good as day 1, so if you’re preparing this recipe for meal prep, I highly recommend making a big batch on Sunday, and warming yourself a bowl every day of the week!

Just add a little more creamy milk, stir, and reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warm and creamy again.

Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (12)

More Breakfast Porridge Recipes You Might Like:

  • Easy Buckwheat Porridge
  • 20-Minute Creamy Quinoa Porridge
  • Creamy Amaranth Porridge
  • Holiday Porridge: Apple Molasses Porridge
  • Pink Porridge Oats
  • Passionfruit Porridge with Coconut and Orange
Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (13)

I hope you love this Barley Porridge as much as I do! If you do make this recipe, please let me know in the comments below what you think and check outThe Two Spoons Appfor more wholesome vegan recipes like this! I truly love hearing from you, and I’m always here to answer any questions you might have.

And of course, tag me onInstagramwith your pictures using the hashtag #twospoons. Nothing makes me happier than to see your recreations.

PIN IT ON PINTEREST

Like this recipe? Save it for later! Pin it on Pinterest.

Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (14)

Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan)

No ratings yet

By Hannah Sunderani

Simple and delicious barley porridge made creamy with just 3 ingredients. A vegan recipe that's a great swap from traditional oatmeal. Barley porridge offers a deep, wheaty, full-bodied flavour that's so comforting. Enjoy with your favourite fruits and chopped pecans!

Print RecipePin Recipe

Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (15)

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Serves 4 People

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 3 cup almond milk plus more if needed
  • 4 tbsp maple syrup or to taste
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 cups frozen mixed berries , thawed
  • 4 sliced figs (optional)
  • 4 tbsp chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Pulse barley in your blender until coarsely chopped (so that all the grains are broken, but not powdered).

  • Transfer the chopped barley to a medium saucepan and pour in the almond milk, maple syrup and salt.

  • Turn heat to medium-high and bring the porridge to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low so it's simmering. Cook the porridge, stirring occasionally until it's soft, thickened, and pleasantly chewy, 25-30 minutes. (Add splashes more almond milk while cooking to thin, if desired, for preferred consistency).

  • Transfer the barley porridge to bowls and top each with 1/2 cup thawed red berries. Add sliced figs (optional) and chopped pecans for crunch! Optional to drizzle with more maple syrup to sweeten to taste.

Notes

Recipe will keep for up to 5 days. Store in the fridge in an air-tight container.

Recipe can also be frozen for up to 3 months. I like to portion the porridge into individual air-tight containers to freeze. Reheat in the microwave.

Instead of mixed berries, try topping this barley porridge with Apple Compote or Apple Butter.

Nutritional information is a rough estimate.

Approvals

Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (16)

Nutrition

Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 261mg | Potassium: 363mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 133IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 295mg | Iron: 2mg

DID YOU

Tag @twospoons on Instagram
and hashtag it #twospoons

MAKE THIS?

    Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan) - Two Spoons (2024)

    FAQs

    Is barley porridge good for breakfast? ›

    What has twice the protein and almost half the calories as oats? Barley, and it's about time we started eating it for breakfast. Not only does barley have a wonderfully nutty flavor and a chewy, hearty texture, but it's also a nutritious, high-fiber grain that boasts an array of health benefits.

    Can I use barley flakes instead of oats? ›

    Naked Barley Flakes make perfect porridge - just substitute them for rolled oats in your favourite porridge recipe. We like to add a couple of tablespoons of Chia Seeds too. Here's our simple porridge recipe… The nutty, malty flavour of Naked Barley Flakes makes for a tasty and sustaining porridge.

    Are barley oats? ›

    No, though they're similar in that they're both northern cereal grains with their domestication origins in the Neolithic Near East. Barley is Hordeum vulgare, while oat is Avena sativa.

    How to eat barley flakes? ›

    Here are some ways to add barley to your diet:
    1. Try barley flakes as a breakfast porridge instead of oats.
    2. Add it to soups and stews.
    3. Mix barley flour with wheat flour in baked goods.
    4. Make a grain salad with cooked barley, vegetables and dressing.
    5. Eat it as a side dish instead of rice or quinoa.

    Is it OK to eat porridge every morning? ›

    The Bottom Line

    Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer. If you're ready to start your morning with a bowl of oats, try our Cinnamon-Roll Overnight Oats.

    Who should not take barley? ›

    Barley is high in gluten. Avoid it if you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Medication interactions. Because it can lower blood sugar levels, talk to your doctor before adding barley water to your diet if you are currently on medication to manage your blood sugar.

    Which porridge is better wheat or barley? ›

    Barley provides more health benefits than wheat, and is an excellent alternative to white wheat. This is because it contains more fiber than wheat. It also undergoes less processing, meaning it loses fewer nutrients. It's also rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.

    What does barley do to your body? ›

    As a whole grain, barley provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients may enhance heart health, help prevent cancer, reduce inflammation, and more. Consuming a diet rich in whole grains may help reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and other chronic health concerns.

    Can you eat barley like cereal? ›

    Barley breakfast delight is a nice change of pace in the hot cereal arena, made with honey, pear nectar, cinnamon, and dried cranberries. Barley is different than hot cereals. We love the texture of pearl barley. It is mild enough, with a slightly nutty flavor, to go with just about anything.

    Is barley a protein or carb? ›

    Barley contains 41.5 grams of net carbs in each cup (170 grams). In addition to being high in fiber, barley is a great source of selenium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and copper.

    How to eat barley for weight loss? ›

    Boil water and barley in a saucepan on a low flame for 15-20 minutes while stirring occasionally. Add salt and lemon juice to taste. Add a cinnamon stick or grated ginger to add more flavour to the barley water. All of these condiments are weight-loss friendly.

    What is the best way to eat barley? ›

    With its nutty flavor and pasta-like chew, barley is a versatile grain that makes an interesting alternative to rice, even in risotto. Try it for breakfast as a hot cereal with fruit or in savory-sweet porridge with ham and egg. Barley can be a wonderfully hearty addition to soups and salads, too.

    What happens if you don't rinse barley before cooking? ›

    There is no need to rinse barley before using it. To enhance the flavor of barley, heat the kernels in a skillet for a few minutes or cook it in broth instead of water. You can save time by cooking extra barley and freezing it. Add it to soups or salads as you need it.

    Can you eat raw barley flakes? ›

    The benefits of eating raw barley include increased fiber intake, improved digestion, and lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, raw barley is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, selenium, zinc, and iron.

    How long to soak barley flakes? ›

    Cooking instructions

    Soak 1 part naked barley flakes overnight in 3 parts water, milk or your preferred dairy alternative. Use in muesli or cook for porridge.

    What is the best porridge to eat in the morning? ›

    Start the day right with this healthy baked banana porridge containing walnuts, banana and cinnamon. Bananas are a good source of the amino acid tryptophan, which the body needs to make the feel- good hormone serotonin. When eaten with a carb source such as oats, the brain can absorb the tryptophan easily.

    Is barley good in the morning? ›

    Drinking barley (jau) water in the morning can offer several health benefits: 1. **Digestive Health:** Barley water is rich in fiber, which aids digestion and can prevent constipation. It also helps in regulating bowel movements.

    Which is better wheat porridge or barley porridge? ›

    Barley provides more health benefits than wheat, and is an excellent alternative to white wheat. This is because it contains more fiber than wheat. It also undergoes less processing, meaning it loses fewer nutrients. It's also rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.

    Is it OK to drink barley on an empty stomach? ›

    It is recommended to start with a small amount of barley grass and gradually increase the dosage over time. The daily recommended intake of barley grass is 2-3 teaspoons mixed with water or juice. It is best consumed on an empty stomach, either first thing in the morning or before meals.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Recommended Articles
    Article information

    Author: Aron Pacocha

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6238

    Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

    Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Aron Pacocha

    Birthday: 1999-08-12

    Address: 3808 Moen Corner, Gorczanyport, FL 67364-2074

    Phone: +393457723392

    Job: Retail Consultant

    Hobby: Jewelry making, Cooking, Gaming, Reading, Juggling, Cabaret, Origami

    Introduction: My name is Aron Pacocha, I am a happy, tasty, innocent, proud, talented, courageous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.