Instant Pot Barley
User Reviews
4.7
Instant Pot Barley
Description
Using a pressure cooker, pearl barley is combined with water, kosher salt, and optional olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent sticking. The sealed cooker is set on high pressure for 20 minutes, after which quick pressure release and fluffing with a fork produce tender and separate grains. Pearl barley cooks more quickly than hulled barley, which requires rinsing, extra water, and extended cooking time of 25 minutes under pressure.
The result is a chewy yet tender barley perfect for mixing with vegetables, adding to soups, or serving as a hearty side. Olive oil gives a subtle richness and can be omitted if desired. Adjusting water quantity and cooking time for barley type avoids excess liquid or undercooked grains.
Drain any leftover liquid if present, as barley brands vary. Repeat pressure cooking briefly if grains need further softening. This reliable method simplifies cooking barley traditionally requiring long stovetop simmering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley (see notes for hulled)
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Add the barley (1 cup), water (2 cups), salt (1/4 teaspoon), and olive oil (1 tablespoon) to your pressure cooker. Stir together.
- Make sure the vent is set to "sealed." Cover the pressure cooker and set the pressure to manual, high, for 20 minutes.
- When the time is up, quick release the pressure by using a wooden spoon (or something similar) to change the vent from "sealed" to "venting."
- Once the float valve has depressed and it's safe to open, open the pressure cooker and fluff barley with a fork.
Notes
- For hulled barley, rinse it under cold water before cooking, increase water to 2.5 cups, and set pressure cook time to 25 minutes.
- If leftover liquid remains, drain it off as you would with pasta.
- If barley is undercooked, pressure cook a few more minutes as needed.
- Using olive oil is optional but helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 88 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 88kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 6mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 70mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Calcium | 9mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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