Instant Pot Barley: A Savory Breakfast
Whole grain, fiber-rich pearl barley cooks quickly in your Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker. This healthy dish requires only a few ingredients and will fire up your engine for the busy day ahead! Fresh greens, diced turkey ham, and an egg (your choice) add loads of flavor and nutrition.
Whole grain, fiber-rich pearl barley cooks quickly in your Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker. This healthy dish requires only a few ingredients and will fire up your engine for the busy day ahead! Fresh greens, diced turkey ham, and an egg (your choice) add loads of flavor and nutrition.
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.843750000361835 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0.116505000049962 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (58g)
- Sodium 218.030625000007 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0.0228487500097986 g
- Calories 7 calories
Step-by-step
- Add the olive oil to the pressure cooker set to manual for 18 minutes.
- Add the barley and onion. Saute until it smells a bit toasty.
- Add the liquid and salt.
- Lock the lid in place.
- While the barley cooks, dice the ham (if using).
- When the pressure cooker completes the cooking cycle, do a quick pressure release. If you've got a lot of liquid in the pan, you may wish to drain most or all of it.
- Return the pot to saute, and add the diced ham if using. Saute stirring occasionally while preparing the eggs.
- When the eggs are ready, add the arugula to the pot, and stir to combine. You just want to wilt the greens.
- To Serve: Scoop the barley mixture into shallow bowls. Top with an egg cooked to your preference. Garnish as desired with Aleppo pepper (my favorite!), fresh ground pepper, fresh herbs, scallions, etc. Enjoy!
Instant Pot Barley: A Savory and Speedy Breakfast
Mornings are hectic, aren't they? Between getting kids ready for school, rushing to work, and trying to squeeze in a workout, finding time for a healthy and satisfying breakfast often feels impossible. But what if I told you there's a breakfast that's both nutritious and incredibly quick to prepare? Enter the Instant Pot Barley, my new favorite morning meal!
I'm a busy working mom, always on the go. I need a breakfast that's packed with energy to fuel my day, but I simply don't have the time for elaborate recipes. This Instant Pot Barley is my solution. It's a simple recipe, requiring minimal ingredients and minimal time. The best part? It's customizable! You can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Love spinach instead of kale? Go for it! Prefer a different type of ham? Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility.
The Instant Pot is a game-changer. It allows the barley to cook perfectly in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. While the barley is cooking under pressure, I can quickly prepare other elements of the breakfast, like dicing ham or frying an egg. The whole process, from start to finish, takes less than 20 minutes – a significant win in my busy mornings!
Why this recipe works:
- Speed and Efficiency: The Instant Pot dramatically reduces cooking time, making this a perfect weekday breakfast.
- Nutritional Powerhouse: Barley is a whole grain rich in fiber, providing sustained energy throughout the morning. The added greens and egg boost the protein and vitamin content.
- Flavorful and Customizable: The basic recipe provides a delicious base that can be easily customized to your taste preferences. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables!
- Make-Ahead Potential: Although incredibly fast to make, you could even cook the barley ahead of time and store it in the fridge for an even quicker breakfast grab-and-go.
Tips and Variations:
- Barley Types: Pearl barley cooks the fastest in an Instant Pot; other types may require adjustments to cooking time.
- Liquid Options: Experiment with different broth types (chicken, vegetable, etc.) for varying flavors.
- Protein Boost: Add other protein sources like shredded chicken, sausage, or beans for a more substantial meal.
- Spice it Up: Incorporate red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or other spices to enhance the flavor profile.
- Garnish Ideas: Fresh herbs, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of olive oil can add extra visual appeal and flavor.
This Instant Pot Barley recipe isn't just a breakfast; it's a lifestyle. It's a testament to the fact that healthy and delicious meals don't have to be time-consuming. So next time you're short on time but craving a nutritious and satisfying breakfast, give this recipe a try. You might just find your new favorite morning meal, just like I did!
Beyond Breakfast: This hearty and flavorful barley can be enjoyed beyond breakfast. Consider it as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even a base for a warm salad. The possibilities are endless!
From a quick weekday breakfast to a flexible base for other meals, this Instant Pot Barley recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It's the perfect blend of convenience, nutrition, and deliciousness, making it a must-try for any busy individual.
