7 Delicious Mediterranean Barley Recipes You Should Try!
Barley is an underrated yet versatile grain, packed with fiber, vitamins, and a delightfully nutty flavor. It can be used in many ways, from soups to Mediterranean-inspired salads.
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If you haven’t yet incorporated barley into your cooking, now is the perfect time to start. This ancient grain is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. It offers high fiber, essential minerals, and a subtle, nutty taste that enhances any dish.
Barley is also budget-friendly, easy to cook, and incredibly versatile. It can be used to prepare warm, comforting soups and fresh salads. Below, I share 7 of my favorite must-try Mediterranean barley recipes that will have you falling in love with this nutritious grain!
1. Mediterranean Beef and Barley Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 potato, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 100 gr green peas
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Brown the beef on all sides.
- Add onion, potatoes, green peas, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Sauté until softened.
- Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, barley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 1 hour until beef and barley are tender.
- Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh parsley.
2. Mediterranean Feta and Garlic Barley Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked barley
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 cured pepper bell, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine cooked barley, tomatoes, pepper bell, feta, and olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over barley mixture and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature with fresh mint.
3. Creamy Mediterranean Mushroom Barley Risotto
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat butter or olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until soft.
- Add barley and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in white wine and cook until absorbed.
- Gradually add broth, stirring frequently until absorbed, about 30 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and serve with fresh basil.
4. Mediterranean Barley and Lamb Stew
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 1 lb lamb, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 3 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Brown the meat on all sides.
- Add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, barley, carrots, and spices.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 45-60 minutes, until the meat is tender and the barley is cooked.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm with fresh parsley.
5. Mediterranean Barley Breakfast Porridge
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup barley
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1 tbsp honey or date syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup figs, chopped
- 1 tbsp chopped almonds or pistachios
Instructions
- Cook barley in almond milk over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in honey and cinnamon.
- Top with figs, almonds, and pistachios.
- Serve warm.
6. Mediterranean Barley Soup with Crispy Bacon and Garlic Croutons
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup bread cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a pot over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened.
- Add barley, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream (if using) and cooked bacon.
- For croutons, toss bread cubes with olive oil and garlic powder.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until crispy.
- Serve soup hot with garlic croutons on top.
7. Mediterranean Barley-Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, cut the tops (creating a “lid”) and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked barley
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chickpeas
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix barley, tomatoes, chickpeas, and oregano.
- Stuff bell peppers with the mixture.
- Sprinkle feta (or another cheese you prefer) and add the “pepper lid” on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
Tips for Cooking with Barley
- Choose the right type
Pearl barley cooks faster, while hulled barley is more nutrient-dense but requires a longer cooking time.
- Pre-soak for faster cooking
Soaking barley overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- Cook in broth
For extra flavor, cook barley in vegetable or chicken broth instead of plain water.
- Use in meal prep
Barley stores well in the fridge for up to five days, making it an excellent meal prep ingredient.
- Add to soups last
If adding to soups, cook separately and stir in at the end to maintain texture.
- Try toasting first
Toasting dry barley in a pan before cooking enhances its nutty flavor.
Barley is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and a great ingredient to prepare a winter hearty meal or fresh summer salad. It is also perfect for a wholesome breakfast. Try these recipes and to enjoy the benefits of barley!
Pin for Later!
Delicious Recipes with Barley
Gabi Ancarola
Gabi is a travel writer who has lived in Crete for over a decade. Through her blog, Crete Insider, she has helped travelers uncover local experiences. Passionate about food and Cretan cuisine, she now attends Greek cooking lessons to bring the island’s flavors straight to your kitchen!
>> Interested in learning to cook in Crete, or discovering all of the top spots to eat in Chania and around the island? Book a food tour or plan your trip with me.
