Barley porridge with blueberries is a tasty and wholesome breakfast topped with nutrient rich berries, walnuts, dates and a drizzle of honey. This is sure to give you a healthy and happy start to take on the challenges of the day!!
WHAT IS TALBINA?
This barley porridge is inspired by Talbina, a whole grain porridge of middle eastern origin that is prepared with ground barley, milk and honey. In the recipe here I have further added roasted blueberries, walnuts and dates.
More healthy and tasty breakfast ideas you may like:
- Moroccan Eggs in Tomato Sauce
- Rustic German Apple Pancake
- Mushroom Spinach Rep Pepper Kuku (Persian Frittata)
- Best Egg Paratha (Omelette Stuffed Paratha)
HEALTH BENEFITS – BARLEY BREAKFAST
Is Barley Good for Health?
Barley has several nutritional benefits. It is rich in Beta Glucan, the same fiber that is in oats. Beta Glucan is well known for its cholesterol lowering effect. It is very beneficial for intestinal health. It provides bulk for regularity and facilitates the production of short chain fatty acids that maintain a healthy colon.
When consumed regularly as part of a healthy diet, it can be protective against heart ailments, cancers, diabetes and such. Barley has been shown to promote better blood sugar control and insulin response.
And I cannot say enough about the antioxidant rich blueberries and walnuts, that are an excellent source of omega-s fatty acids, phytonutrients, antioxidants and known for anti-inflammatory potential.
Is Barley Porridge Good for Weight Loss?
This barley porridge is so satiating and filling. Therefore it can be effectively included in a weight loss regimen, keeping honey to a minimum. Actually the blueberries, milk and small amount of dates are all sweet enough.
Barley porridge is a great alternative to oatmeal and works very well as a hearty breakfast. For more nutrition information about barley check out this post on Persian Creamy Barley Soup.
TIPS: How to Make Barley Porridge
- I find it easiest to just grind the barley and store it in a container. Whenever I need to make some porridge I just scoop out some ground barley.
- When cooking the barley porridge, I first like to cook it with a little bit of water to make a thick paste and then add the milk and cook it further. I feel this helps cook the porridge better.
- If you want to speed up the cooking time you can mix in some water or milk and pre-soak it.
- You could even soak the ground barley overnight in milk and cook it quickly to make your overnight barley porridge.
- Using a slow cooker to make the barley porridge would also be a great idea. It will result in a really creamy texture, kind of like rice pudding.
Photography above: bijansviewfinder.com
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This post was first published on 4th January, 2016 and has been updated.
- 1/4 cup pearl barley coarsely ground
- 1/2 cup water or milk
- 1 cup milk reduced fat
- 1 tbsp walnuts chopped
- 1 tbsp dates chopped
- 2 tbsp blueberries or more (oven roasted)
- Honey to taste
- Process barley in coffee/nut grinder until it is slightly coarse.
- Dissolve barley in water and mix it well. Cook the mixture just briefly.
- Add 1 cup of milk and cook it on medium just like cooking steel cut oats. More milk may be added for the desired consistency.
- Meanwhile roast the blueberries in a single layer in an oven-proof baking dish at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, until the blueberries just start to release their juices.
- Sprinkle the walnuts and dates. Spoon over the blueberries with its juices.
- Drizzle with honey to taste.
VARIATIONS
Dairy Free Barley Porridge: Make porridge with almond milk, hazelnut milk, cashew milk, soymilk etc.
Vegan Barley Porridge: Use nut milks listed above or soy milk and skip honey.
High Protein Barley Porridge: Top the porridge with a scoop of ricotta cheese, and/or hemp seeds.
Rich and Creamy Barley Porridge: Top it with a dash of heavy cream or nut butters.
Other Toppings for Barley Porridge: fruit compote, fresh fruit, roasted nuts, ground cinnamon, baked apples or pears, maple syrup, brown sugar etc.
For more tips and serving suggestions check out the blog post above.
NUTRITION FACTS
*Phosphorus 334 mg
Wow, this sounds like the perfect breakfast. Blueberries are SO good for you, especially when you start the day with them!
Yes, I agree Allison. I love a blueberry morning :)
I’ve never tried making porridge before, but it’s become a thing on restaurant menus and I’d love to try my own at home! This one looks delicious!
Oh I never knew its now on restaurant menus. Thanks Rebecca.
This is actually a really great idea. I use barley mostly in savory recipes and often add it to soups because I like how it helps to thicken them a bit. I’ve never thought to make a barley porridge for breakfast. I think I would like the texture of the ground barley porridge very much. And these blueberries are everything!
I am a huge barley fan too. Love it in savory recipes, soups, thickening etc….and write about it in all my barley recipes. I like cooking the ground barley very soft like a rice pudding.
This sounds like the perfect yummy way to start your day. Loving the blueberry & date combination in this!
Thanks. Yes it feels so satisfying too.
Love porridge, I used to eat it every morning, this recipe sounds delicious!
I love it to :) Thanks Emily