Honey Glazed Golden Barley Bowl (Printable Version)
Tender barley combined with golden spices and honey glaze, topped with fresh veggies and seeds.
# Ingredient List:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup pearl barley
02 - 2 1/2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 cup diced carrots
05 - 1 cup diced bell pepper (yellow or red)
06 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
07 - 1 cup loosely packed baby spinach
08 - 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
→ Glaze & Spices
09 - 2 tablespoons honey
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
14 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
17 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
→ Garnish
18 - 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
# How to Make It:
01 - Rinse barley under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine barley, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until tender and chewy. Drain any excess water and set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced carrots, bell pepper, and sliced red onion. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables are just tender.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together honey, remaining tablespoon of olive oil, ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, black pepper, chili flakes, and lemon juice until combined.
04 - Add cooked barley to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the honey-spice glaze and toss to coat evenly. Stir in baby spinach and cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until spinach wilts.
05 - Remove from heat. Divide the mixture into serving bowls and top each with roasted pumpkin seeds and chopped fresh herbs. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It combines earthy barley with a golden blend of warm spices that feels like a little secret between friends.
- The honey glaze adds a perfect touch of sweetness that turned this dish into an instant favorite at my table.
02 -
- Don’t skip soaking your barley or rinsing it well – it prevents any grit and helps it cook evenly.
- Adding the spinach last preserves its vibrant color and delicate texture, making the bowl feel fresh.
03 -
- To deepen flavor, toast your barley lightly before cooking—it adds a subtle nuttiness that complements the glaze.
- The secret to perfect texture is not overcooking the spinach; stir it in at the very end and remove from heat quickly.