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
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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.
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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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
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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.

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Easy Barley Porridge Recipe (Vegan)

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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!

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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

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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

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

    FAQs

    Is barley healthier than oatmeal? ›

    In fact, barley contains about three times as much fiber per serving as oats. Barley is particularly rich in a type of soluble fiber known as beta glucan, which is recognized for its cholesterol-lowering abilities. Barley is also a good or excellent source of several vitamins and minerals.

    Are barley porridge and oatmeal the same thing? ›

    A key difference between barley and oats is gluten content. Barley does contain gluten making it unsafe for people with celiac disease to consume. Oatmeal does not naturally contain gluten. However, it is often processed in facilities that work on other types of grains that contain gluten.

    Is barley porridge healthy? ›

    Barley is high in fiber, especially beta-glucan, which may reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It may also aid weight loss and improve digestion. Whole-grain, hulled barley is more nutritious than refined, pearled barley.

    Can barley be mixed with milk? ›

    Combine barley, milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until milk has almost been all absorbed, about 15 minutes. Divide barley between two bowls. Top with chopped walnuts, a generous drizzle of heavy cream, and chopped fresh fruit if desired.

    Is it OK to eat barley every day? ›

    Eating 3.6 grams of barley daily as a source of dietary fiber seems to reduce the risk of heart disease. High cholesterol. Eating 3-12 grams of barley daily seems to reduce total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol in adults with high cholesterol.

    Is barley anti-inflammatory? ›

    Barley has been shown to have antitumor properties through regulating the immune system and limiting cancer cell proliferation and dissemination. Furthermore, barley possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, which may contribute to its anticancer potential.

    Does barley increase blood sugar? ›

    Lowers blood sugar levels

    Barley-based foods have been shown to help boost the number of beneficial bacteria prevotella in the gut. These bacteria have been shown to help lower blood sugar levels for up to 11–14 hours. Keeping blood sugar levels in check can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

    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.

    What is barley porridge called? ›

    Talbina is a porridge made from barley flour, formed by adding milk and honey to the dried barley powder.

    Is barley porridge good for high blood pressure? ›

    The fiber in barley might lower cholesterol and blood pressure in people with high cholesterol. Barley may also reduce blood sugar and insulin levels. Barley seems to slow stomach emptying.

    Which is healthier potatoes or barley? ›

    Potatoes are very similar in nutritional composition to barley; except they are around 20% dry matter compared to dried barley at around 86% dry matter. Potatoes are around 9% crude protein which is slightly lower than average barley.

    Is barley a protein or carb? ›

    Barley, pearled, cooked, 1 cup
    Protein (g)3.55
    Carbohydrate, by difference (g)44.31
    Energy (kcal)193.11
    Sugars, total (g)0.44
    Fiber, total dietary (g)5.97
    34 more rows

    What does barley porridge taste like? ›

    The result is a mild-flavored porridge with a slightly malted flavor (malted barley is used in making beer) and a hint of nuttiness.

    Can I drink barley with coffee? ›

    On its own, coffee has a lot of health benefits. But what if you combine it with pure barley grass? The advantages are increased and improved. Coffee infused with pure barley grass can help you balance your blood sugar, aid in weight loss, keep your heart healthy, and increase your intake of vitamins and antioxidants!

    What is the best time to take barley? ›

    Santé Barley Pure is best taken before meals. Drink 3 capsules twice a day to complete that healthy 3-gram barley grass consumption.

    What grains are healthier than oatmeal? ›

    Here are the healthiest grains to eat, according to nutrition expert Malena Perdomo, MS, RDN, CDE.
    • 01 of 13. Barley. Barley is traditionally served in soups, salads, grain bowls, and more. ...
    • 02 of 13. Quinoa. ...
    • 03 of 13. Amaranth. ...
    • 04 of 13. Buckwheat. ...
    • 05 of 13. Teff. ...
    • 06 of 13. Oats. ...
    • 07 of 13. Farro. ...
    • 08 of 13. Bulgur Wheat.
    Apr 16, 2024

    Can you substitute barley for oatmeal? ›

    To incorporate the rustic, inexpensive grain into your diet, you can prepare it just like your favorite oatmeal recipe. Barley tastes great with all of the same mix-ins, be it cinnamon and brown sugar or fresh fruit and nuts—or even as a savory breakfast with a fried egg and avocado.

    Is barley a Superfood? ›

    Barley is a very healthy grain. It's rich in vitamins, minerals and other beneficial plant compounds. It's also high in fiber, which is responsible for most of its health benefits, ranging from a better digestion to reduced hunger and weight loss.

    Is barley healthier then rice? ›

    First, is barley better for you than rice? Barley and brown rice both have their benefits. If you're avoiding gluten, then brown rice should be your go-to, because barley has gluten. When it comes to folate and vitamin E, brown rice wins; but barley takes the trophy for fiber (it has much, much more) and calcium.

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