Yes, you can reheat pearl barley. The process can be easy if you follow instructions. Ingredients can be added according to your preference. Melt a few tablespoons of butter or heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat or baking tray and add the cooked barley and stir until heated. Below are methods to use and instructions to follow.
Microwave
The microwave might not be the best method for reheating food, but it is the fastest (Businessinsider.com). Make use of a microwave-safe container for safety reasons. Add broth or water to every cup of pearl barley to remain moist.
Break up any clumps of barley using a fork and cover the container with a lid or a damp kitchen towel. That way, the towel traps the steam created by reheating the rice. Cook the barley on full power for a minute or two, stirring, making sure it warms to the center.
Steps
- Cover the microwave-safe dish and microwave on medium power until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Microwave for 3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the barley is piping hot. However, cooking time varies depending on the power of your microwave.
Rice cooker
A rice cooker is more versatile than a microwave. It can cook other grains like quinoa and barley. Reheating pearl barley is a modern but simple method. Once you turn it on, your barley starts to warm immediately, and when ready, it automatically shuts off. Do not worry about overcooking or undercooking your barley when using this method. For starters, it is user-friendly.
You can cook any barley using a rice cooker, even if it takes time. Barley is rich in protein and fiber like brown rice since it has a rough texture. It takes time to cook on an ordinary stove since it is hard, but cooking with a rice cooker is effortless.
Steps
- Place it in the cooking pot and add the water.
- Stir evenly and close the top lid.
- Turn on the cooker and let it warm. Well-cooked barley takes less time to cook, between 3-5 minutes.
- To prevent barley from burning, all the grains should be mixed with water. If there is any spillover, wipe with a cloth before turning on the rice cooker. Push back the grain into the cooker using a plastic or wooden spoon.
- You do not necessarily need to stir while cooking using a rice cooker since you should not lift off the lid before the start button clicks (Stakeexchange.com).
- Since the rice cooker is automatic, allow the barley to cook until the button turns to a warm mood. Next, open the top lid and using gloves, remove the pot.
- Allow the barley to stay still while in the pot for around 15 minutes. Let the barley rest for the best texture. Use a fork to fluff the cooked barley and serve in a bowl. You can also use a wooden spatula to fluff the barley before serving.
Oven
Unlike the microwave method for smaller servings, the oven is best when reheating pearl barley for more people. It spares you time and effort as you reheat your pearl barley in batches. Use a shallow oven-safe dish and aluminum foil.
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 300°F. Spread pearl barley in an even layer over the baking dish, breaking up any clumps.
- Splash with water or broth as you mix with barley. Use foil to cover the dish tightly.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated.
Best method
Stovetop
For fluffy pearl barley, reheat with plenty of moisture. Steaming becomes the best method. Add the barley to a small saucepan and add broth or water. For an extra rich taste, add a pat of butter. Break up any clumps of barley using a fork and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Cook the barley over low heat for three to five minutes, stirring until it is heated.
Steps
- Once the barley is cooked, add ingredients of your choice. Melt a few tablespoons of butter or heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cooked barley and stir until heated, for about 10 minutes. To reheat with chopped vegetables, heat oil or butter, add vegetables, and briefly saute, 5 to 10 minutes, until they soften.
- Add cooked barley and stir until heated. You can heat barley as directed, then stir in 1/2 cup pesto.
Storage
Store cooked barley in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for one month. Barley can be spoilt if it is exposed to moisture. There are things you should keep in mind. Make sure that the container you are using is airtight since moisture causes the grains to spoil. Cooked barley has a shelf life of three to four days in the fridge and up to two months in the freezer.
Cooked barley should be stored in a dark place. It contains some oil, which can cause it to spoil and become moldy. Regardless of the time frame that keeps barley fresh, you can still store cooked barley for as long as you like. Make sure it is packaged properly.
The shelf life of cooked barley varies depending on the type of barley and the processing method. There is whole grain barley which is rich in fiber content. It keeps the digestive system running smoothly and keeps you. Pearled barley does not have the husk, making the cooking process faster. That does not take away the rich flavor. For long-term food storage, buy pearled barley.
Safe Temperatures
Reheating pearl barley to 375°F (190°C) is considered the standard temperature, safe from bacteria.
FAQs
Is barley better than rice?
Brown rice also has more folate and vitamin E, making it more healthy than rice. However, it has twice the calcium and fiber and about 30 percent fewer calories. The two contain protein and fat content. Both grains are healthy choices, depending on what you look for.
Can you refrigerate barley?
Yes, but make sure it is cooled. Package the cooked barley into smaller portions so that you have more control over its shelf life. You can freeze a large batch of cooked barley in airtight containers and use it as needed. When cool, thaw them out and eat them at your time. Freeze the remaining barley and use it later. Once defrosted, you can also freeze it for up to two months.