Pearl barley is the basis for many fine dishes, from rich soups to sweet cereals. Nourishing side dishes are made from barley, baked in pots, mixed with meat or vegetables. This cereal is not only delicious, it is very healthy, nutritious and deserves to be included in your regular diet.
Before cooking, the barley should be sorted out and rinsed thoroughly. To prepare viscous cereals, the grains can be soaked overnight - they will become softer and boil faster. But if you are interested in a crumbly porridge or side dish, cook the cereal immediately after rinsing. Place a glass of pearl barley in a saucepan and fill it with two glasses of hot water. Bring cereals to a boil and drain. Pour boiling water over it again (3 cups), add salt, two or three tablespoons of butter, mix everything thoroughly. Place the lid on the pot and place it in the oven. Cook at about 250 ° C until the cereal has absorbed all the water. Before serving, this porridge can be mixed with fried onions and cracklings. It is also tasty with cold milk or an extra portion of butter. Try a hearty barley and meat dish. Cut 200 g of fatty pork into cubes, salt and fry together with the onion, chopped in half rings. Rinse the pearl barley (1 glass) and soak it for 2-3 hours. Drain the water and rinse the grains again. Divide the meat and onions into pots, pour into each ¾ cups of hot water. Add salt, black peppercorns. Place the pearl barley on top. Cover the pots with lids and place them in a preheated oven. Cook the porridge until the cereal is tender. Serve directly in the pots, sprinkle each serving with finely chopped parsley. Those who love sweet cereals will love the barley dish with dried fruits. Go through and rinse 1 cup of cereal and soak it for several hours. Drain the water. Put the barley in a saucepan, pour two glasses of hot water and add dried fruits - dried apricots, prunes, raisins. Cook the porridge over moderate heat, if necessary, add a little water. When the cereal is cooked until half cooked, add a tablespoon of candied orange fruits and sugar to taste. You can pour a little orange juice into the finished porridge. Serve hot or cold and eat with milk.
