Barley Breakfast Delight

By
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen is a journalist, quick-cooking and slow-cooking expert, and accomplished cookbook author with over 30 years of experience in testing and developing recipes.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/26/21
Barley Breakfast Delight

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 50 mins
Total: 55 mins
Servings: 6 servings

Barley breakfast delight is a nice change of pace in the hot cereal arena, made with honey, pear nectar, cinnamon, and dried cranberries.

Barley is different than hot cereals. We love the texture of pearl barley. It is mild enough, with a slightly nutty flavor, to go with just about anything.

You can use orange juice, pineapple juice, or any type of fruit juice in place of the pear nectar in this easy recipe. Or use golden raisins or currants instead of the dried cranberries. Try chopped pecans or cashews in place of the walnuts. This recipe is versatile.

Even better, you can make this recipe ahead of time, store it in the fridge, then make some hot cereal for yourself in minutes for the best breakfast. Just follow the directions in the recipe.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup pearl barley

  • 2 cups water

  • 2 cups pear nectar

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1 pinch salt

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Barley Breakfast Delight ingredients

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  2. Rinse the barley well in a strainer or colander and place in large saucepan with water, pear nectar, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and salt.

    place barley in large saucepan with water, pear nectar, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and salt

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  3. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.

    simmer the barley mixture

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes until barley is almost tender.

    simmer the barley mixture

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  5. Add cranberries and lemon juice and simmer for another 10 to 25 minutes until mixture is thick and barley is tender. Stir in walnuts and serve immediately.

    Barley Breakfast Delight, Add cranberries and lemon juice to the mixture in the saucepan

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Tip

This can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Each morning, for one serving, combine 1 cup of this mixture with a few tablespoons of milk or light cream. Microwave on 50 percent power for a minute or two until hot, then enjoy.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
254 Calories
12g Fat
39g Carbs
3g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 254
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 35mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 39g 14%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Total Sugars 26g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 29mg 144%
Calcium 39mg 3%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 222mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)