23 Best Vegetarian Pearl Barley Recipes – Taste of Home

Are you looking for new and delicious vegetarian recipes to try?

When getting bored and used to the same dishes you always make, you would start looking for interesting new dishes for you and your family.

In this post, I’ll offer you quick and easy-to-prepare recipes that everyone will enjoy, so you can enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This roundup of 23 Best Vegetarian Pearl Barley Recipes will impress everyone at your table.

Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables Barley Recipe

This recipe for Mediterranean roasted vegetables and barley is a quick and filling meal that’s perfect for any time of day. The hearty barley serves as a base for the roasted vegetable mix, which adds flavor and color to the finished dish.

Chickpeas or feta cheese can be added for an extra protein boost. This dish can also be made with quinoa or rice if you prefer something lighter. Try this recipe tonight it will surely please everyone.

Ingredients

• 1 cup/163g dry, washed pearl barley
• 2 diced zucchini
• 1 diced red pepper
• 1 diced yellow pepper
• 1 diced red onion
• salt and pepper
• 2 teaspoons/3.9 grams harissa spice
• 3/4 tsp/1.95 g smoked paprika
• Greek early harvest olive oil

Get the recipe here.

Vegan Barley Stew Recipe

On a chilly winter’s day, a bowl of vegan barley stew is exactly what the doctor would order for comfort food. Your hunger will be satiated by the hearty combination of vegetables and grains, and the savory spices will warm you up from the inside out. The best part is that you can easily tailor the flavor of this stew to your preferences because it is so simple to prepare.

To prepare this dish, simply bring a combination of vegetables and grains to a simmer in vegetable broth until the ingredients are tender. The stew should then be seasoned with herbs and flavors such as rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Mix in some tomato paste or diced tomatoes for a savory. Enjoy the dish while it is still hot and accompany it with a piece of crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 diced onion
• diced carrots
• diced celery
• 3-minced garlic
• tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup barley
• Diced tomatoes, 24 oz
• 1/2 lb chopped Yukon gold potatoes
• 3 cups broth

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE: 14+ Amazing Vegan Soup Recipes (Healthy & Easy)

Pearl Barley Vegetable Risotto Recipe

While pearl barley is commonly used in soups and stews, it also makes a hearty and flavorful risotto.

Carrots, peas, and mushrooms are among the vegetables used in this dish, but you can substitute whatever vegetables you prefer. Risotto’s secret lies in the slow cooking of the rice, which allows it to soak up the flavors of the vegetables and broth. For a complete meal, prepare a green salad to go side by side with your risotto.

Ingredients

• 250g tomatoes for roasting tray
• diced zucchini
• diced pepper
• smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter
• 5-garlic-cloves
• 1 onion or shallot
• Pearl barley
• 200ml wine
• Boiling water + stock cube
• thyme, 1 tsp
• salt 1 tsp

Get the recipe here.

Spinach and Mushroom Pearl Barley Risotto Recipe

The ideal comfort food for a chilly winter evening is spinach and mushroom pearl barley risotto.

White wine and Parmesan cheese are used to make a flavorful broth in which to cook the rice. The spinach and mushrooms are then added to the pot and cooked for a further few minutes after the rice is cooked through.

A final garnish of freshly grated Parmesan cheese completes the dish. This dish will undoubtedly become a new household favorite. For a full meal, serve it with a side of crusty bread. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 50g cleaned and sliced chestnut mushrooms
• 1/2 chopped onion
• 1 tsp thyme, chopped
• crushed garlic
• 50g barley
• 400ml chicken/vegetable stock
• Spinach 100g
• 1TB low-fat soft cheese

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE:

Chorizo & Rosemary Pearl Barley Risotto Recipe

In the winter, this Pearl Barley Risotto recipe is the ideal choice. Even though it’s hearty and filling, you won’t feel stuffed after eating it. Adding chorizo and rosemary to the dish gives it a nice herbal flavor. The chewy texture of the pearl barley is reminiscent of risotto without the added effort.

It is worth noting that some of the ingredients can be replaced with another, such as sausage in place of chorizo and regular rice in place of pearl barley. Additionally, you can leave rosemary out or use another herb in its place if you don’t like it. With this Pearl Barley Risotto recipe, whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something a little more special, you’ll be satisfied.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 minced garlic
• 300g barley
• 400g tomato can with olives
• 1l hot chicken stock from 1 cube
• 2 sprigs of chopped rosemary

Get the recipe here.

Pearl Barley and Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

The ideal comfort food for autumn is this risotto. It is substantial and filling but also light enough to prevent you from feeling sluggish. The texture contrast between the pearl barley and pumpkin is lovely, and the flavors of the sage and Parmesan are rich.

To make this dish vegetarian you will simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. And don’t forget to add some truffle oil before serving for an added touch of opulence.

Ingredients

• Onion red
• 3-garlic-cloves
• Carrot
• 2 cups diced red Kuri
• 1 cup barley
• 2TB chopped parsley
• 3 cups broth
• tbsp plant-based cooking cream
• 1TB oil
• Taste salt, pepper

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE: 25 Middle Eastern Vegetarian Dinner Recipes You Have to Try.

Pearl Barley Risotto With Spring Vegetables Recipe

This recipe will give you just the right amount of richness without being overbearing. The sage, Parmesan, and pearl barley create a lovely contrast in texture while enhancing the flavor. By substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth, this dish can easily be made vegetarian. Before serving, drizzle truffle oil over the dish.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil or butter
• 1 large sliced leek 1 cup dried pearl barley
• 1/2 cup wine
• 5 cups vegetable stock
• 100g quartered asparagus
• 150 grams of fresh/frozen peas
• 100g greens

Get the recipe here.

Pearl Barley Soup With Leek and Potatoes Recipe

During the colder months, this hearty and warming soup is ideal for a late-night meal. It’s also incredibly simple to put together. Once the pearl barley and leeks are soft, add the diced potatoes and cook for an additional five minutes in the broth. If you prefer, you can puree the soup or leave it chunky. Add salt and pepper to taste before serving in bowls. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 TB oil
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 chopped carrots
• 1 chopped leek
• chopped celery
• Pearl barley (100 g/3.5 oz)
• 3 peeled, 1-inch-cube potatoes
• 2 chopped garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp chopped thyme
• 1 tbsp chopped rosemary
• 1/4 tsp dried chili

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE: 15 Ground Pork and Potato Recipes From Asian to the Mediterranean

Easy Barley Soup With Vegetables Recipe

On a cold winter’s day, a simple barley soup with vegetables is the ideal meal. Carrots, celery, onions, and garlic are among the nutritious ingredients in this soup, which also contains protein-rich barley.

Simply cook the vegetables in a skillet and then sauté them in a pot with the barley and stock until the barley is tender before adding it to the pot. Cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Before serving, sprinkle the food with salt and pepper.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 chopped onion
• diced carrot
• 1 celery
• 1 minced onion
• 1tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 red pepper
• 150g rinsed pearl barley
• 1.25 liters of veggie stock
• 1 can cannellini beans, drained
• Baby spinach, 100 g
• Half-lemon juice

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE: 14 Delicious Boursin Soup Recipes (With Tiktok-inspired Recipes)

Vegan Stew With Ale & Pearl Barley Recipe

Pearl barley is used to make this hearty vegan stew, giving it a lovely chewy texture. A tasty and satisfying meal is created by combining mushrooms, carrots, and celery with ale to add depth of flavor. Serve some crusty bread alongside the stew to make it even warmer. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion
• 2 garlic cloves or 1 teaspoon pre-chopped garlic
• 250g fungi Chestnut and flat mushrooms are my favorites.
• 2 tsp flour
• Ale (check it is vegan)
• 400 ml veggie or vegan beef broth
• 2 tsp tomato puree
• 1tsp brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vinegar

Get the recipe here.

Vegan Sausage & Pearl Barley Casserole Recipe

A warm, filling casserole is the ideal meal for a chilly winter night. This hearty dish of pearl barley, vegan sausage, and cheesy breadcrumbs features a hearty tomato sauce.
Use a high-protein, low-fat vegan sausage to get the best flavor and texture. For a complete meal, serve with a green salad and crusty bread. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• Cauldron Vegan Frozen Mediterranean Sausages
• diced shallots
• crushed garlic
• chopped red pepper
• zested lemon
• 2TB lemon juice
• 1-bay-leaf
• salt
• Finely chopped rosemary sprigs
• Finely chopped thyme

Get the recipe here.

Pearl Barley Salad Recipe (With Red Beans)

For a light summer meal, this pearl barley salad is an excellent choice which can either be the main course or side dish. The red beans add a dash of color and sweetness to the dish, which is packed with nutrients and fiber.

To make the salad, follow the package directions for cooking the pearl barley. Add the red beans, corn, tomatoes, and onion once it’s done cooking. Honey and mustard are both great additions to the dressing. Add salt and pepper to your preference. You can serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• A quarter cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• juice of one lemon, about a third cup
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tsp. of sugar
• This recipe calls for 1 cup of raw pearl barley
• Raw Red Beans, 1 Cup
• Bell peppers in half a cup

Get the recipe here.

Pearl Barley, Bacon & Leek Casserole Recipe

On a cold winter night, this hearty casserole will warm you up from the inside out. Once the pearl barley, bacon, and leeks are cooked, they are topped with shredded cheese and baked until the cheese is bubbly. Even picky eaters will enjoy this dish, which can be easily tailored to suit your preferences.

Simply omit the bacon for a vegetarian variation. In any case, this casserole will quickly become a staple in your home.

Ingredients

• 1 TB oil
• sliced leeks
• 2 chopped garlic cloves
• 1 hour-soaked pearl barley
• 4-cubed carrots
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, plus servings
• 1l poultry stock
• Shredded Savoy cabbage
• 200g cooked bacon, chopped

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE: 14 Delicious Boursin Soup Recipes (With Tiktok-inspired Recipes)

Vegan Barley Risotto With Roasted Carrots Recipe

Served with roasted carrots, this vegan barley risotto is a warming and filling dish ideal for a winter meal. Carrots add color and sweetness to the dish, while barley gives it a chewy texture and a nutty flavor.

Adding garlic and onion to the risotto enhances the dish’s flavor. To begin, the barley is steamed in vegetable broth until it is just tender enough to be served with the dish. The roasted carrots, garlic, and onion are then added to the pot.

Freshly chopped parsley is sprinkled on top of the finished risotto after it has been simmered to a creamy consistency. To round out the meal, serve this with a green salad or eat it alone.

Ingredients

• 1 lb 2-inch-cut carrots
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
• 1tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 5 cups broth
• 1 tablespoon miso
• 1/2 cup diced medium shallots
• smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• Nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons
• 1 cup barley

Get the recipe here.

Pearl Barley and Vegetable Stew Recipe

In addition to pearl barley and an assortment of vegetables, this hearty stew is loaded with flavor. It’s the ideal meal for a cold winter’s day!

Simmer pearl barley in vegetable broth until it’s soft enough to eat. Add your preferred chopped vegetables at this point. Carrots, celery, potatoes, and kale are some of our favorites.

After adding salt and pepper to taste, let the stew simmer for a few more minutes until the vegetables are tender. Put the food in bowls and savor it! This comforting stew will keep you toasty all winter long.

Ingredients

• 1 TB oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 800g chopped root veggies (we used parsnips and butternut squash)
• 100ml dry wine
• 1.5 l stock
• 200g kale
• Lemon zest, juice
• 60ml buttermilk

Get the recipe here.

Tuscan Bean and Barley Stew Recipe

During the colder months, this Tuscan Bean and Barley Stew is a warm, filling dish. Spinach and Parmesan cheese top the tomato-based broth that’s been simmering with beans and barley for a while.

Make this stew in advance and reheat it on a busy weeknight to save time. Complete the meal by serving it with greens and crusty bread.

Ingredients

• olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 sticks of celery, chopped very finely
• 1 large leek, chopped
• 900ml vegetable stock
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 3 tbsp pearl barley
• 1 can of Borlotti beans weighing in at 400 grams

Get the recipe here.

Pea & Feta Pearl Barley Stew Recipe

A hearty bowl of this Pea and Feta Pearl Barley Stew is a delectable and wholesome way to warm you up. The stew is rich in both flavor and nutrients, and the addition of pearl barley gives it a hearty texture that can sate even the most voracious appetite.

To prepare the stew, simply combine all of the ingredients in a large pot and simmer for a sufficient amount of time, or until the peas are soft. Serve hot, topping each portion with freshly cracked black pepper and feta cheese. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 TB oil
• 2 chopped onions
• chopped garlic
• 2 lemons juiced
• 200g cold-rinsed pearl barley
• 700ml broth
• 200g cubed feta
• 1/2 small pack shredded mint plus a few whole leaves
• 400g defrosted peas

Get the recipe here.

Vegetable and Pearl Barley Stew With Herby Dumplings Recipe (Vegan)

During the colder months, this hearty stew is the ideal comfort food to serve to guests. Healthy vegetables and herby dumplings give it a flavorful twist. Plus, everyone can partake in its deliciousness because it is entirely vegan.

To prepare the stew, simply boil the vegetables in water or vegetable broth until tender. When it’s done, add the pearl barley. Make dumplings by adding herbs of your choice and kneading them together. Rice or bread can be served alongside the stew. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 TB oil
• 1 Tbsp dairy-free margarine/olive oil
• 1 chopped brown onion
• sliced leek
• sliced celery
• crushed garlic cloves
• 3 TB flour
• 12 cup dry white wine
• 6 cups vegetable stock
• 6oz pearl barley
• 1/2 tsp dried or 3 fresh thyme
• 2-bay-leaves

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE: 25 Middle Eastern Vegetarian Dinner Recipes You Have to Try.

Pearl Barley Risotto With Spring Vegetables Recipe

In this springtime risotto, the freshest seasonal vegetables are showcased to their full potential. Asparagus, peas, and leeks add a sweet flavor, while pearl barley gives the dish a hearty texture. The saltiness of the Parmesan cheese and the freshness of the parsley complete the dish. A new springtime favorite, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

• Fresh or frozen broad beans
• 100 g fresh/frozen peas
• Pearl barley
• 1 TB oil
• 1 diced onion
• crushed garlic
• Vegan white wine (optional)
• 500-750 ml veggie broth
• 4 sliced scallions
• 1/3 cup mint
• 1/3 cup parsley
• ground pepper

Get the recipe here.

Pearl Barley Casserole Recipe

Barley lovers are going to go crazy for this hearty casserole recipe. After being simmered in chicken broth until tender, pearl barley is subsequently combined with mushrooms, onions, and garlic that have been sautéed. After that, the mixture is placed in an oven and baked with a cheese sauce that is smooth and creamy.

This dish is wonderful for a chilly night in the winter, and it is very simple to multiply in order to serve a large number of people. Complete the meal by serving it with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 3-tablespoon butter
• chopped onion
• chopped celery
• 1 cup barley
• 8 oz fresh sliced mushrooms
• 1 chopped green pepper
• Chicken broth, 2 cups
• S&P to taste

Get the recipe here.

Greek-Style Barley Salad Recipe

This salad is a great option for a quick lunch or a side dish that is both delicious and nutritious, where you can use up any leftover cooked barley in this dish.

All you need to make this salad is to mix olive oil and lemon juice as the dressing. A few minutes before serving, allow the flavors of the salad to meld together. Put everything in a bowl and eat it right away.

Ingredients

• 1 cup barley
• 1 liter
• 1/2″ salt
• 1/4 cup oil
• 2 tablespoons wine or balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup red onion
• 2 chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta

Get the recipe here.

Vegetable and Barley Soup Recipe

On a cold winter’s day, a bowl of this hearty vegetable and barley soup will help you feel better. And it’s quick and simple to make, with plenty of nutritious ingredients. Simmer the barley in water for about 30 minutes before moving on to the next step.

Add in the vegetables and continue cooking until they are tender. Then, add the seasonings and serve it up. Make this soup ahead of time and store it in the freezer for later consumption. As a bonus, it’s a great way to use up any remaining vegetables in your fridge. So, what are you waiting for? It could be your new go-to meal!

Ingredients

• 1 TB oil
• chopped brown onion
• 1 peeled, halved, chopped carrot
• 4 chopped bacon rashers
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 400g peeled whole tomatoes
• 1 halved, chopped zucchini
• 1 tbsp chicken-style Massel stock
• 1/2″ rinsed pearl barley

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE: 22 Delicious High Protein Weight Loss Vegetable Salad Recipes

Vegan Pearl Barley ‘Meatball’ Sandwich Recipe

There is no doubt that this vegan barley “meatball” sandwich will please even the most jaded meat eaters. Use a combination of hearty grains and legumes to make vegan meatballs that taste great. As a starting point, I prefer pearl barley and black beans, but feel free to experiment with other types of legumes and grains.

Add some finely chopped vegetables, herbs, and spices after you’ve made your base. Grated carrot, chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh parsley are some of my favorite additions. Add some tomato paste or BBQ sauce if you want to amp up the flavor even further.

Create small balls out of the mixture and bake until golden brown and firm to the touch in a preheated oven. It’s best served with your favorite condiments on a crusty bun.

Ingredients

• Onion
• 2-garlic-cloves
• 10 ounces chopped button mushrooms
• 14-ounce brown lentils
• gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup parsley
• tahini, 3 tbsp
• smoked paprika 1 teaspoon
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1/2 tsp stock
• 1 tbsp coconut aminos

Get the recipe here.

Conclusion

As a delicious and healthy way to include more vegetables in your diet, try pearl barley. These 23 recipes showcase the best flavor and nutritional benefits of barley while also being vegetarian-friendly. Here, you can find everything from appetizers and salads to main courses. So why don’t you start now? Start cooking right away!