Pearl Barley and Hulled Barley Recipes

Get inspired with simple hulled and pearl barley recipes that show just how versatile this underrated grain can be. Whether you're after something hearty or light, these ideas are a great way to bring more variety to your meals.

The best of fresh vegetables, combined to delicious recipes

Pearl Barley and Hulled Barley Recipes from HelloFresh

Most Popular Barley Recipes

From soups and salads to hearty dishes paired with spicy meat, these barley recipes show you just how easy it is to incorporate pearl barley into your home cooking.

Leek & Mushroom Pearl Barley

Pearl barley is a hardworking grain, and it just loves to entertain a crowd. Mix it with sweet leek, hearty mushrooms and creamy fetta and we’re sure you will be impressed.

VEGGIE

35 minutes | Easy | 2190 kcal

Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes

So often, the way we cook ingredients is just as important as which ingredients we choose. Take these tomatoes. When roasted with a little balsamic, their flavour is really elevated to new heights!

35 minutes | Easy | 2490 kcal

Warm Pear, Walnut and Barley Salad

Gosh, we do love a bit of fruit in a salad. It's the perfect way to find a great balance of flavours – and the golden trinity of sweetness, savoury and sourness is the key to any great dish.

40 minutes | Easy | 2370 kcal

Pan-Fried Haloumi

Chefs, it’s time to up your game. This one has a few steps, but we think you’ll pick up some tricks to really impress. Pearl barley’s a hardworking grain and it just loves to entertain a crowd. But the real star here is parsley oil. It’s one of our favourites, and we think it will be one of yours too!

45 minutes | Easy | 2900 kcal

Cumin Spiced Cauliflower

Chefs, it’s time to up your game. This one has a few steps, but we think you’ll pick up some tricks to really impress. Pearl barley’s a hardworking grain, and it just loves to entertain a crowd. But the real star here is parsley oil. One of our favourites, we can’t wait for you to try it!

45 minutes | Easy | 2430 kcal

Golden Haloumi

Chefs, it’s time to up your game. This one has a few steps, but we think you’ll pick up some tricks to really impress. Pearl barley’s a hardworking grain, and it just loves to entertain a crowd. But the real star here is parsley oil. One of our favourites, we can’t wait for you to try it!

45 minutes | Easy | 3130 kcal

Haloumi with Green Pearl Barley

Chefs, it’s time to up your game. This one has a few steps, but we think you’ll pick up some tricks to really impress. Pearl barley’s a hardworking grain, and it just loves to entertain a crowd. But the real star here is parsley oil. One of our favourites, we can’t wait for you to try it!

45 minutes | Easy | 3130 kcal

Jewelled Haloumi

Aside from the seasonal produce, our favourite thing about Autumn here at HelloFresh is the colours. With that in mind, why not extend the colours of Autumn into the food you eat – they don’t say eat a rainbow for nothing! Fresh pomegranate is a seasonal treat - this salad is a special one indeed.

45 minutes | Easy | 2630 kcal

Leek & Mushroom Pearl Barley

Pearl barley is a hardworking grain, and it just loves to entertain a crowd. Mix it with sweet leek, hearty mushrooms and creamy fetta and we’re sure you will be impressed.

VEGGIE

35 minutes | Easy | 2190 kcal

Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes

So often, the way we cook ingredients is just as important as which ingredients we choose. Take these tomatoes. When roasted with a little balsamic, their flavour is really elevated to new heights!

35 minutes | Easy | 2490 kcal

Warm Pear, Walnut and Barley Salad

Gosh, we do love a bit of fruit in a salad. It's the perfect way to find a great balance of flavours – and the golden trinity of sweetness, savoury and sourness is the key to any great dish.

40 minutes | Easy | 2370 kcal

Pan-Fried Haloumi

Chefs, it’s time to up your game. This one has a few steps, but we think you’ll pick up some tricks to really impress. Pearl barley’s a hardworking grain and it just loves to entertain a crowd. But the real star here is parsley oil. It’s one of our favourites, and we think it will be one of yours too!

45 minutes | Easy | 2900 kcal

Cumin Spiced Cauliflower

Chefs, it’s time to up your game. This one has a few steps, but we think you’ll pick up some tricks to really impress. Pearl barley’s a hardworking grain, and it just loves to entertain a crowd. But the real star here is parsley oil. One of our favourites, we can’t wait for you to try it!

45 minutes | Easy | 2430 kcal

Golden Haloumi

Chefs, it’s time to up your game. This one has a few steps, but we think you’ll pick up some tricks to really impress. Pearl barley’s a hardworking grain, and it just loves to entertain a crowd. But the real star here is parsley oil. One of our favourites, we can’t wait for you to try it!

45 minutes | Easy | 3130 kcal

Haloumi with Green Pearl Barley

Chefs, it’s time to up your game. This one has a few steps, but we think you’ll pick up some tricks to really impress. Pearl barley’s a hardworking grain, and it just loves to entertain a crowd. But the real star here is parsley oil. One of our favourites, we can’t wait for you to try it!

45 minutes | Easy | 3130 kcal

Jewelled Haloumi

Aside from the seasonal produce, our favourite thing about Autumn here at HelloFresh is the colours. With that in mind, why not extend the colours of Autumn into the food you eat – they don’t say eat a rainbow for nothing! Fresh pomegranate is a seasonal treat - this salad is a special one indeed.

45 minutes | Easy | 2630 kcal

Further Most Popular Barley Recipes

Chicken with Greek Pearl Barley

Haloumi with Green Pearl Barley & Parsley Oil

Kingfish with Green Pearl Barley & Parsley Oil

Chicken with Herbed Pearl Barley Salad

Leek & Mushroom Pearl Barley

Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes

Warm Pear, Walnut and Barley Salad

Pan-Fried Haloumi

Cumin Spiced Cauliflower

Golden Haloumi

Haloumi with Green Pearl Barley

Jewelled Haloumi

Chicken with Greek Pearl Barley

Haloumi with Green Pearl Barley & Parsley Oil

Kingfish with Green Pearl Barley & Parsley Oil

Chicken with Herbed Pearl Barley Salad

Cooking with Barley: Tips & Inspiration

Barley Recipes FAQ

How do I cook pearl barley?

To cook pearl barley, simmer it in water or stock for around 25–30 minutes, or until tender. There’s no need to soak it beforehand.

Is pearl barley good for you?

Yes, pearl barley is a nutritious grain that provides fibre, protein, and a range of vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome addition to many meals.

Is pearl barley gluten free?

No, barley contains gluten, so pearl barley isn’t suitable for those with coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance.

How much pearl barley should I serve per person?

As a side or part of a dish, around 60–75g of uncooked pearl barley per person is usually enough.

When should I add pearl barley to a slow cooker stew?

Add pearl barley at the beginning of cooking so it has time to soften and absorb the flavours, ideally for at least 4–5 hours on low.

Is pearl barley a whole grain?

Pearl barley is not technically a whole grain, as the outer bran layer is removed during processing. However, it still offers a good amount of fibre and nutrients.

Can you reheat pearl barley?

Yes, you can reheat cooked pearl barley. Just add a splash of water or stock to loosen it up and warm it through in a pan or microwave.

Do you have to soak pearl barley?

No soaking is needed for pearl barley. It cooks fairly quickly compared to hulled barley.

Can you freeze cooked pearl barley?

Yes, cooked pearl barley freezes well. Let it cool completely, portion it out, and freeze in airtight containers or bags for up to three months.

Does pearl barley go off?

Dry pearl barley keeps well in an airtight container for months, but like any grain, it can eventually go stale or spoil. Cooked barley should be stored in the fridge and eaten within 3–5 days.

How do I serve pearl barley?

Serve pearl barley in soups, stews, grain bowls, salads, or as a side in place of rice or couscous – it’s very adaptable.

Can you cook pearl barley in a rice cooker?

Yes, pearl barley can be cooked in a rice cooker. Use roughly 2.5 cups of water or stock for every cup of barley, and cook using the regular or brown rice setting.