Hulless Barley is absolutely the most fantastic grain with so many different uses. If I had to pick the only food (other than beer) I would have to survive on then that’s it… that’s the one…Hulless Barley. Don’t forget good beer has barley as the #1 ingredient.
The way barley is used in beer is by soaking the kernels and letting them sprout. This is then used it the brewing of some of the finest beers in the world. But I digress…
Hulless barley is a type that the tough outer hull is loosely attached. It is so loose that when it is harvested most of the hulls fall off. Processors sometimes refer to this type of barley as “naked” barley. Because the hulless type requires so little processing most of the brand and endosperm in left in tact and all the germ is there. Making a long story short, it is excellent nutritional.
OK so you bought some hulless barley now what. Besides the beer it is a fantastic hot breakfast cereal. Just put in some slightly salted water and simmer till it is tinder. I not sure it ever gets mushy, it seems to have a little pop or bit when I eat it. I add some raisins some berries and sometimes a little honey. That’s all there is to it. It seems to stay with me most of the day.
Want some really unique bread try this. Sprout barley and when the sprouts are about 3 x bigger than the seed, put them in a mortar and pestal or a food processor. If using the processes just pulse till you get a ball or paste. Then mix in some dried fruit and nuts. Flatten the mixture out a few inches thick and either bake in the oven at about 180 F. or just let it dry in the sun. Yes it will be chewy and dense but it is really good and is very good for you. Sorry I can’t find the recipe but I don’t think you need one.
Barley is great in stews and soups. Here is a recipe I enjoy.
1 stalk celery,chopped
2 potatoes chunked
2 carrots chunked
8 c. liquid (3 c. beef broth and 5 c.
1 large. onion, chopped
1/2 cup whole barley
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 3/4 tsp. salt
1/3 tsp. pepper
The way I do it is I season the shanks and then brown them in the olive oil. When there good’n brown I and some water or beef broth and let them simmer for a hour or so. Then through the rest of the vegetables and seasonings in pot and cook till everything is cooked the way you like it. You will probably need to add water or broth from time to time.
Hey enjoy barley its good and good for ya..