This breakfast barley hot cereal recipe makes an amazing alternative to the basic bowl of oatmeal. In this recipe, barley is cooked in the Instant Pot and then flavored with milk, raisins and nuts.
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Pressurize and Depressurize Instant Pot 20 minutesminutes
Add water and barley to the Instant Pot. Lock the lid in place and check that the pressure valve is closed.
Set high pressure cook for 20 minutes.
When the pressure cook time ends, allow the Instant Pot to release the pressure naturally for 10 minutes. Then carefully open the pressure valve to allow the rest of the pressure and steam to release.
Set the IP on saute and add the remaining ingredients. Stir frequently and heat just long enough to heat the porridge all the way through.
Stove Top Cooking Instructions
Place 4 cups of water and barley in a medium saucepan on top of the stove over high heat and heat to a boil. When it boils, reduce to low heat and cover with a lid.
Cook for 25-30 minutes or until barley is tender. If excess water remains, drain it off. Add the milk, spices, raisins and nuts and let cook for 5 minutes. Serve it up.
Notes
Too much water after cooking? No worries. Check if the barley is tender and if it is, then drain off the water and then proceed with making the recipe. If it's not ready, replace the lid and cook it for additional time.
Best flavor. Make sure your spices are fresh for maximum flavor and add them at the end of cooking. The Instant Pot cooks at super high temperatures which don’t work well for the flavor of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Cooking methods use different quantities of water. If you cook your barley on the stove, be sure to add four cups of water instead of the 2 ½ cups in the recipe for the Instant Pot.