How to Cook Barley

Step 1

If using pearled barely, you do not need to soak it (skip to the next step). If you are using hulled barley, you have the option to soak the grains in water for a while before cooking. To soak the hulled barley, place 1 cup dry barley grains in a large bowl and add 3 cups of water. Set aside to soak for a few hours or up to overnight.

Step 2

Boil 3 cups of water or broth and add 1 cup of barley. Season with a big dash of kosher salt.

Step 3

Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer until the liquid is absorbed (or mostly absorbed) and the barley is tender with a slightly chewy texture (about 25 to 30 minutes for pearl barley and up to 1 hour for hulled barley). Drain.

Step 4

Fluff the cooked pearl barley with a fork. Add parsley for garnish, if using.