Today’s proposal is a barley, carrot, and fennel salad. It can become a great main dish if accompanied by legumes like chickpeas, lentils, or even marinated tofu, for example.
Barley is a wonderful grain, excellent for digestion and keeping cholesterol and triglycerides in check.
It might not be very suitable if you suffer from irritable bowel as it tends to bloat the belly a bit, but if your intestines are fine, don’t miss out on barley.
In this case, I had cooked a lot of it also to use in a soup, and with the leftover, I prepared the barley, carrot, and fennel salad.
See many recipes with barley if you also like this ancient grain.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Preparation time: 40 Minutes
- Portions: 4 servings
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Seasonality: Fall, Winter, Fall, Winter, and Spring
Ingredients for Barley, Carrot, and Fennel Salad
- 6 oz pearl barley
- 2 carrots
- 1/2 fennel
- 2 tbsp pine nuts
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 sprig basil
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Steps for Barley, Carrot, and Fennel Salad
First, wash and soak the barley if you can. Pour water into a pot, lightly salt it, bring to a boil, and add the barley.
Cook over medium-low heat for 40 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, wash, peel, and slice the carrots into rounds and wash and thinly slice the fennel.
In a pan, pour in a drizzle of oil and cook the carrots and fennel together for 20 minutes, seasoning with salt.
In a bowl, place the warm barley, carrots, and fennel, drizzle with lemon juice, grate the zest, and add them together. Add pine nuts, torn basil, another drizzle of oil, and salt. Mix well and serve.
Timo e Lenticchie Tips
Store leftover barley in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a couple of days.
You can also blend what’s left and turn it into delicious barley patties.
You can also blend what’s left and turn it into delicious barley patties.
FAQ
How many types of barley are there?
There is pearl barley, hulled barley (without the husk but still with the germ), and finally whole grain barley (hulled barley).
Does barley aid digestion?
Yes, barley aids digestion because it stimulates digestive juices.
Can barley flour be used in desserts?
Yes, barley flour can be used, and it tastes delicious.
