Barley porridge recipes
Barley groats are one of the most useful and at the same time easy to prepare. It makes a very tasty and satisfying side dish, which is combined with many products. Unfortunately, many treat it with disdain, which is completely unfair. In this article, we will talk about all the beneficial properties of barley porridge, as well as the best ways to cook it.
Features, composition and calorie content
In cooking, barley groats did not deserve due popularity. Due to the fact that it is often compared with pearl barley, many doubt the beneficial properties of this grain, which is very in vain. At home, you can cook porridge with stew, with pumpkin, in bags, or just steam cereal.
Barley porridge is a dietary product. Due to the high content of carbohydrates, which are absorbed by the body for a long time, after a meal with this product, the feeling of hunger does not occur for a long time. It is for this reason that this cereal is considered dietary and is recommended for people suffering from excess weight or trying to get rid of it.
However, it is important to note that porridge should not be abused either. The opposite effect may begin, and an active set of excess mass will go. Ideally, it is recommended to consume barley porridge no more than three times a week.
Due to the fact that the grains are carefully crushed, barley groats have the following advantages in the cooking process:
- cooks much faster due to its fine structure;
- retains all the useful properties, vitamins and minerals.
During processing, the fruit shell is not removed from the barley grains. Only the shell of the inflorescence is removed, which preserves the maximum amount of valuable fiber for the body in the cereal (it is for this reason that barley porridge has a high nutritional value).
Japanese researchers have found that it is barley porridge that has the most balanced composition of all other crops. Of the 150 varieties of cereals, barley contains the optimal amount of all the substances necessary for the body. Its grains are rich in potassium, which contains about 480 mg per 100 g of product. It also saturates the body with a good dose of phosphorus (359 mg) and calcium (97 mg).
In addition, barley groats contain useful substances such as iodine, iron and bromine. With the help of barley groats, the body is saturated with a whole vitamin complex necessary for its proper functioning. These are vitamins A, B, E and D, as well as nicotinic acid, which is necessary for all vital processes. For 100 grams of the finished product, there are 2.4 g of proteins, 0.3 g of fats and 16 g of carbohydrates. The energy value of a dish prepared with water is approximately 98 kcal, and with milk - 137 kcal.
The beneficial qualities of this cereal include its beneficial effects on the body as a whole. Porridge serves as an excellent protector against diseases of the cardiovascular system, obesity, inflammation of the thyroid gland. Using it at least several times a week, you can significantly improve bowel function and even reduce the risk of developing cancer.
This porridge is simply obliged to be present in the diet of every modern girl, because it keeps nails and hair healthy and maintains proper cholesterol levels in the blood, which is very important in today's environmental situation. Oddly enough, but barley groats affect a good mood, protecting the body from stress and depression.
In addition, it can serve excellent antibiotic of natural origin. Barley groats have a beneficial effect in the treatment of arthritis, diabetes and kidneys, and vitamin A present in its composition has a positive effect on vision. Since ancient times in Japan, they used a drink made from barley grains to cleanse the body of toxins and toxins.
Croup fights well with various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and is recommended for use in gastritis along with oatmeal, as it has an enveloping effect.
Despite a lot of useful qualities, in some cases, barley porridge can harm the body.
- Due to its composition rich in various substances, barley groats are not recommended for use during pregnancy. An excess of trace elements contained in it can lead to serious complications during childbirth. If the expectant mother simply loves this product, then she should use it in small quantities, no more than twice a week. In this case, it is necessary to abandon chicken eggs.
- Barley porridge is also contraindicated for people suffering from celiac disease. Due to the high content of protein in grains, serious inflammation in the intestines can occur. In this case, you should find an analogue of this side dish with a lower protein index.
It is obvious that pluses prevail in barley porridge.Another pleasant nuance is the low price of this product, due to the fact that the cell is an unpretentious culture and can grow in any climatic conditions. The introduction of barley porridge into the diet will significantly affect both the physical and psychological state, of course, for the better. However, it is recommended to discuss all the nuances with a nutritionist to determine the required amount of this wonderful product in the diet.
cooking secrets
Barley porridge is very tasty and nutritious, and the process of its preparation does not take much time. It can be boiled in milk or water, and the tricks described below will help the hostess make a real culinary masterpiece out of this cereal.
- It is most convenient to wash the cereal with a sieve. It makes it possible to control the volume of the liquid, and thus helps to clean the grains of dust and dirt, without missing even the smallest of them into the sink.
- Grains should be poured into cool water and boiled until boiling, then reduce the heat and simmer under the lid for half an hour. You can significantly speed up the cooking process. For this, the grains must be soaked 3 hours before cooking. Boiling water will help to achieve readiness even faster.
- The consistency of the dish ultimately directly depends on the time spent on cooking: for friable porridge, 15 minutes will be enough, and for more viscous, at least 25 minutes will be required.
- It is very important to correctly calculate the proportions of the ingredients. From barley grains, you can get 3 side dishes that are completely different in their consistency.
- For crumbly, one serving of cereal to two servings of liquid will be enough, that is, 1: 2.
- For viscous porridge, the proportions are 1: 4.
- Semi-viscous porridge is obtained at the rate of 1: 3.It is worth noting that it has a beneficial effect on the stomach during periods of exacerbation of gastritis.
You can also make a very thin porridge, perfect for a light afternoon snack for children. When calculating the required amount of cereal, do not forget that the cell tends to swell almost three times during the cooking process.
- You can cook porridge in milk, water or broth. It retains all its beneficial properties, regardless of the ingredients or base. Therefore, you can safely experiment, supplementing the barley side dish with vegetables, fruits or meat. It will be combined with absolutely any components, emphasizing their taste.
- In order for the dish to turn out well and please the hostess and household with its delicious taste, it is recommended to lightly brown the grits in a frying pan before cooking.
- Even in Ancient Russia, barley porridge was seasoned with a large amount of oil. It makes the dish more nutritious and does not harm the body. During the diet period, butter can be replaced with vegetable oil, but it must be present in the side dish.
- Barley porridge is significantly different from the usual wheat porridge. The difference is noticeable in taste, and it also looks different. Barley porridge cooks very quickly, and wheat porridge needs to be cooked a little.
- After cooking, the porridge must be infused. To do this, wrap it in a blanket and leave for 20 minutes. This time will be enough for her to reach. You can do without wrapping by placing the pan with a side dish in the oven.
Recipes
If you approach the process of preparing barley porridge with diligence and soul, the reward will be an excellent result in the form of a gentle and nutritious side dish.
classic cooking
The traditional cooking method involves boiling cereals in water, which gives the following benefits:
- porridge turns out to be low-calorie, which is why it can be used as a dietary dish;
- the garnish turns out to be crumbly, which makes it an excellent opportunity to combine it with various spices and ingredients;
- since the product boiled in clean water is hypoallergenic, you can safely introduce such a side dish into the diet of the expectant mother.
To prepare classic barley porridge you will need:
- water or broth (optional) - 1 liter;
- barley groats - 500 g;
- salt, spices.
Bring the liquid to a boil and pour the cereal into it. Add spices to taste. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring well.
When ready, remove the porridge from the stove and cover tightly with a lid. You can wrap it in a towel. The dish should brew and thicken. If desired, you can flavor the porridge with honey or cream.
With milk
Using milk as a base, you can significantly increase both the taste and nutritional properties of barley porridge. This dish will be a great start to the day and give the body a good boost of energy!
Products you will need:
- barley groats - 200 g;
- butter - a tablespoon;
- milk - 400 ml;
- granulated sugar (to taste);
- water - 500 ml.
Pour the cereal into a saucepan, pour water and place on the stove. Cook over moderate heat for 15 minutes. Pour the preheated milk into a saucepan. Add sugar. Mix everything well.
Reduce the heat as much as possible, cover the composition with a lid and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The dish is left to infuse and you can serve it to the table!
With vegetables
Barley porridge with vegetables is a very tasty, nutritious and lean dish.It will be a wonderful table decoration at a family dinner, as well as replenish the supply of missing vitamins in the body.
Ingredients needed for cooking:
- barley groats - 400 g;
- water - 1.5 liters;
- olive oil;
- red beans - 70 g;
- green beans - 60 g;
- canned corn - 70 g;
- canned peas - 80 g;
- onion;
- celery;
- carrot;
- pepper, spices.
Place the cereal in a boiling liquid, pepper, cover and leave to simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes. Wash vegetables. Cut carrots and onions into small cubes. Drain liquid from canned food.
Put all the prepared ingredients in a pan greased with olive oil and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Porridge can be served both in combination with vegetables, and spreading them neatly next to each other.
Fans of spicier dishes can season the side dish with ketchup. The combination is spicy and delicious!
With meat
Men will especially appreciate such a hearty dish.
For cooking you will need:
- barley groats - 200 g;
- chicken fillet (other meat is also possible, it all depends on preferences) - 500 g;
- water - 500 ml;
- butter;
- salt, pepper, spices.
Boil the fillet until fully cooked, cool and cut into small pieces. Pour the chicken broth over the grains, bring to a boil and cook over moderate heat for about 20 minutes. As soon as part of the broth boils away, meat can be added to the cereal.
Put a piece of butter on top and cover tightly. Place the dish in the oven for 30 minutes. During this time, the broth will give the porridge a meaty flavor and a crumbly texture.
Storage Tips
By observing the following rules, you can preserve all the beneficial properties of barley groats for a long time:
- it is necessary to store grain in tightly closed jars or in special boxes for cereals;
- the place where the cereal is stored should be dry and dark;
- it is recommended to indicate the expiration date of the cereal on the jar in case of loss of the original packaging.
Barley groats must be present in the diet of everyone. It will provide the body with all the necessary substances, and also will not cause trouble in cooking!
How to cook friable barley porridge, see the following video.