Green Barley Porridge

This savory green barley porridge combines tender pearl barley with spinach, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a warm, comforting meal. Blending the spinach before stirring it into the barley gives the porridge its vibrant green color while keeping the texture creamy.

Scallions, sesame seeds, and nori add freshness, crunch, and savory flavor on top. Serve it warm for breakfast, lunch, or a simple dinner, with mushrooms, edamame, or a soft-boiled egg if you want to make it more substantial.

Start with the Vegetable Cooking Guide:
https://www.letsveg.com/vegetable-cooking-guide

Olivia

Green Barley Porridge

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Make this savory green barley porridge in under 1 hour with spinach, scallions, sesame seeds, and nori. A simple, nourishing meal perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Breakfast, Main Course

Cuisine: International

Calories: 262

Ingredients Equipment Cooking Instructions Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 1 cup pearl barley rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• For Topping
• 3 scallions finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 sheets nori seaweed thinly sliced or crumbled
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional

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Equipment

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Cooking Instructions

 

1. Rinse the pearl barley thoroughly under cold water.
2. Add the barley and vegetable broth to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat, cover partially, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until the barley is very tender.
4. Add additional broth or water as needed to create a creamy porridge consistency.
5. Meanwhile, blend the spinach with a small amount of broth until smooth.
6. Stir the spinach mixture into the cooked barley.
7. Add the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper.
8. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
9. Divide the warm porridge among serving bowls.
10. Top generously with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and nori. Finish with a small drizzle of sesame oil if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 262kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 7gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 1210mgPotassium: 288mgFiber: 9gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2074IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Pearl barley creates a softer and creamier porridge than hulled barley.
Add more vegetable broth for a thinner, soup-like consistency.
Spinach provides the green color, but kale or other tender leafy greens can also be used.
Add edamame, mushrooms, or a soft-boiled egg for a heartier meal.

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