Barley Water is made by soaking the grain in water for few hours, then simmer it in enough water then flavoring it with lemon which is purely optional. It is considered to be one of the refreshing and nourishing beverages.
About Barley Water
Barley Water is a healthy and cooling drink made by simmering barley in water until its cooked soft. While simmering all the nutrients and benefits of the grain is totally absorbed by the water making it such a beneficial and healthy drink. It is such a refreshing and nourishing drink consumed all over the world. Barley is a grain packed with fiber and has many health benefits. It is considered to be a wonder drink which helps to cure diseases, helps in diabetics, recover quickly from illness etc. Cooked barley after straining water can be had as such or mixed with it and consumed. Barley rice is said to a great effect for diabetics patients lowering sugar and cholesterol too.
Types of Barley
Choosing the right variety of barley is the key for this recipe. I would recommend to choose hulled or pearl barley for making this.
Unhulled Barley : This is the raw form of barley with outer skin too and is good for making barley sprouts. This is one of the healthy choice to use as it is minimally processed. Hulled barley takes longer to cook. Hulled Barley : This is slightly processed to remove the fibrous hulls of the grain, it cooks a bit faster making it digestible too. Pearl barley : Pearl barley is polished or pearled where some or all of the outer bran layer is removed. If it is lightly polished then it has a dull color whereas if its heavily polished the grain looks bright white in color. Pearl barley cooks much faster as there is no bran. Barley grits : Barley kernels are but into several pieces to form barley grits. Barley flakes : This is more like oatmeal or rolled oats in looks. These are best suited for porridge and breakfast cereal. Barley flour : Barley flour can be used for baking or soups or even porridges and also used to thicken stews and gravies. Barley flour is mostly used with wheat flour in baking.
Why Barley Water?
Controls sugar and lowers cholesterol. Improves metabolism which helps in weight loss. Good for kidneys to flush toxins out. Helps in improving sleep. Recovers from illness.
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Methods to make Barley Water
I have listed 3 methods which I often use to make barley though all the 3 methods needs prior soaking for the grain to cook quickly and also to digest easily. The water measure I have given is for soaked grain only.
Pressure cooker method : This is one of the quickest and easiest methods. Rinse barley well, soak in water for at least 2 hours, drain water and add to pressure cooker. Add water to it and pressure cook for 5 whistles in low medium flame. The ratio is for 1/4 cup barley = add 4.5 cups water Stove top open pot method: Barley is simmered with water in an open pot until the grain is cooked until soft. This method is very effective but needs baby sitting as you need to stir often and check for the done of the grain. The ratio is for 1/4 cup barley = add 4 cups water Instant pot method: This is one my recent favorites as its easy and needs no extra supervision. Add soaked barley and add to instant pot inner pot along with water. Secure the lid and position the vent to sealing. Use manual pressure cook and set time to 20 mins. Once it is done, let the pressure release manually, wait for it and open to check. . The ratio is for 1/4 cup barley = add 4 cups water
Homemade Barley Water vs Store bought
I had seen barley water once in a supermarket and was clueless why it is being sold commercially when it can be made easily at home. Later read an article to find that it is being enjoyed as a refreshing cold drink in many parts of the world. Barley Water is said to have many medicinal benefits thus making it a great drink to cure and recover from illness quickly. Though it can be consumed anytime of the year but best suited for hot summers. Making it at home is so easy just simmer a pot full of water along with soaked barley grains until it cooks. Strain and consume the water hot, warm or even cold as you like it. If you like lemon flavor then add a dash of lemon juice to make Lemon Barley Water. So why to buy bottled Barley Water that is sold in shops which is loaded with preservatives and addictive when you can make it home so easily. Also you can customize the drink as per your liking, add honey or sugar or salt the way you like it and enjoy. Add few ice cubes, squeeze lemon garnish with mint leaves and serve it just like a cold beverage and no one can say no to this tasty drink. Do try and enjoy! More such drinks here.
How to make Barley Water Step by Step
Pressure cooker method
1.First pick out any stones or specks from barley and discard it. 2.Now measure barley. I took 1/4 cup pearl barley. 3.First rinse it well 2-3 times in running water. Then soak it in water for at least 2 hours. 4.Keep it covered and set aside. 5.Drain water from barley and add it to a pressure cooker along with 4.5 cups of water. 6.Close with lid, add weight. Pressure cook for 5 whistles in low medium flame. 7.Let the pressure release manually. Cooked barley grains will be soft to touch but not too mushy. 8.Pour into a strainer. 9.Press to extract water completely. Barley Water is ready. You can drink it hot or warm.
Open pot method
10.Add 4 cups water to a sauce pan – add 1/4 cup rinsed, soaked barley to it. 11.Let it boil. 12.Once it starts to boil, cook it partially covered for 20-25 mins. Open and stor in between. 13.After 20 mins, if you check the barley grains will be soft and slightly sticky. I usually have it as a snack as I love the texture. You can even add it to barley water while drinking. 14.Pour this into a strainer and press well to extract barley water completely.
Flavour barley water
15.Add lemon juice to it. Ther is no accurate measure for this, you can add it as per your taste. For 1 cup barley water you can add 1 teaspoon lemon juice which would be perfect. 16.Now add little cooked barley to it. 17.Mix it well and consume. You can even add ice cubes and make it a chilled drink. Barley water is ready to serve!
Expert Tips
If you are using hulled barley then soaking overnight might be needed. I usually soak pearl barley for 2-4 hours depends on the time I cook. Check or ask before choosing your variety of barley. But if you are buying it for this recipe then pearl barley or hulled barley suits best. You can consume strained barley rice along with sambar or curry of our choice.
Variations
Barley water can be flavored with lemon juice to make it a more tasty drink. Adding sugar or salt is purely by preference. If you want extra zing you can add black salt or a pinch of chat masala powder.
Storage & Serving Suggestion
You can store barley water in fridge for up to 2 days. But I would recommend to consume it fresh to get the entire benefits. Serve in glass. Add salt or honey or sugar or lemon juice. Mix it well and drink. You can add few ice cubes if you like the drink chilled.
1.What is the best time to drink Barley Water?
You can drink Barley Water anytime of the day but make sure to consume it once or maximum twice a day not more than that. Serve it hot ot warm as per your liking.
2.Can we drink Barley Water daily?
Yes you can drink it daily but make sure to limit yourself to single serving. If had moderately if it one of the best diet drink.Please consult your nutritionist for diet advice.
3.How long can I store Barley Water?
You can store in fridge for 2 days. It stays good in room temperature only for a day especially in humid places like India.
4.What are the health benefits of Barley Water?
There are numerous health benefits which includes:
Lowers cholesterol Promotes weight loss Controls blood sugar Improves digestion Recover from illness
5.How to store barley water?
Store it in clean dry container in fridge. Make sure to cool completely then transfer to a dry container and store in fridge. I would recommend to have it made fresh if you are planning to have it to cure illness.
6.Can we make barley water with barley flour?
Yes you can make it with barley flour though the nutrition of flour vs grain is completely different. Add 1 teaspoon barley flour to 2 cups of water and boil it for few mins until it reduces to 1 cup. Strain it and drink.
7.What is the best way to drink barley water?
The best and healthiest way to drink it is by flavoring it with just plain lemon juice and consuming it fresh. Adding sweetener or salt can enhance taste.
References
Healthyeating Whole grains council
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