6 Ways to Include Barley in Your Daily Diet – Times of India

Want to add barley to your daily diet but don’t know how to incorporate this healthy grain? Then follow us through these simple yet exciting ways to incorporate barley into everyday cooking. Read on and try these simple delights.
Why?
It cannot be denied that barley is an extremely healthy and nutritious grain that has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. But over the years, this healthy grain has gained worldwide popularity due to its high nutritional value and gluten-free composition, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
Nutrients in barley
Barley grains are naturally packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help improve overall digestive health, stabilize blood sugar levels and support heart health. If you’re looking for ways to add more barley to your daily diet, here are six easy and delicious ways to enjoy this healthy grain.
Soups and stews
An easy and comforting way to add barley to your daily diet is to add it to soups and stews. Barley has a flavor and chewy texture that pairs wonderfully with a variety of vegetables, meats and fruits. Add it to your favorite soup recipe for a hearty vegetable soup, a classic chicken stew, or beef barley soup for a nutritious and hearty addition. which absorbs flavors beautifully and provides a great source of soluble fiber, which aids digestion.

Barley salad
Which makes a great base for a refreshing and nutritious salad. Cooked barley can be tossed with a variety of fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes and bell peppers and dressed with olive oil, lemon and herbs. You can also add protein-rich ingredients like chickpeas, feta cheese, or grilled chicken to make a salad a complete meal. Barley salads are perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed cold, making them a great option for a summer lunch or picnic.
Barley Porridge
Start your day with a nutritious and hearty breakfast by making barley porridge. Like oatmeal, barley can be cooked with milk or a dairy-free alternative and sweetened with honey, maple syrup or fruit. You can add cinnamon, nutmeg and chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture. Barley porridge is an excellent source of slow-digesting carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy throughout the morning.

Smoothies
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add barley to your daily diet, try mixing cooked or sprouted barley into your smoothies. Barley has a mild flavor, so it mixes easily with fruits like bananas, plums, and mangoes. It can add a creamy texture and fiber to your smoothie without overpowering the flavor. Joe also provides a good source of plant-based protein, making it a great addition to a post-workout smoothie.
Baking
Another great way to include barley in your daily diet is by consuming it. Barley flour in your baking. Barley flour can be substituted for part of the regular flour in bread, muffins, pancakes or cookie recipes. It adds a slightly nutty flavor and increases the fiber content of baked goods. Using barley flour in baking can help improve the nutrition of your favorite foods while providing the benefits of whole grains.
Side dish
Which can easily replace rice or quinoa as a healthy side dish. Simply cook the barley and serve it with your main course, such as grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or stir-fry. Barley chewer