What to make for dinner is always a challenge. We want something quick, easy, wholesome, and something light too. Sometimes it feels like a lot of pressure. I understand. We all sail on the same boat. And that’s why I want to make your life easier by sharing some delicious dinner recipe ideas.
This barley lentil pulao is perfect for lunch and dinner too. It needs a little bit of preparation but trust me, it doesn’t take much of your time and energy. It is protein-rich, low-carb, highly nutritious. This recipe contains the goodness of barley (jau), three different kinds of lentils, and some whole spices. It is nourishing, wholesome, light, and very tasty. You must try it today!
What is Barley?
Barley is one of the first cultivated cereal grains that is grown in temperate climate regions. It is used to make bread, beverages, pulao, stews, and many other dishes. These grains are available in many forms in the market – flour, broken, pearled, and hulled. Barley is rich in vitamins and minerals and provides fiber too. It is a source of vital nutrients like iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and calcium.
Consuming whole grains regularly has many other health benefits too. For example, including whole grains in your diet may reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic health problems.
In Hindi, it is called jau.
Is Barley gluten-free?
No. Barley is not gluten-free and that is why it is not recommended to people who are on gluten-free diets.
What are the benefits of lentils?
Lentils belong to the legume family. They are a rich source of proteins and fibers. They also contain vitamin B, iron, and potassium. Lentils are quick and easy to prepare and that is why they make an excellent source of proteins all over the world. Soaking them before cooking increases the absorption of certain nutrients and helps in faster cooking too.
Sprouting lentils increases their nutritional value even more.
How do I sprout my lentils?
The best way of sprouting at home is something I learned from my father when I was a kid. We used to have sprouts almost every day. And watching a lentil go from grain to developing roots was always very fascinating. It still is! And he had a very simple and effective way of sprouting.
- Soak lentils overnight or for 6 to 8 hours.
- Wash 2 to 3 times with water.
- Place them in a damp cloth and tie a knot tightly.
- Hang it in your kitchen and keep the cloth damp. Or my preferred way is to put it in an air-tight container and keep it in a warm place (preferably inside the oven).
- After a day, you will notice tiny sprouts. And in just 2 days, they will grow a lot.
How to cook Barley?
Rinse barley two to three with some water.
In a saucepan, add barley (one part) and water (two parts). Add some salt to taste. Cook on high flame till it comes to a boil. Once it starts boiling, simmer the flame, cover it, and let it cook till all the water is absorbed. Once it is done, let it cool down and then fluff using a fork. Fry it with some veggies, make salads, or simply enjoy it with some dal (just like you eat rice).
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes. Of course.
This barley lentil pulao recipe is vegan because all the ingredients used in this recipe are plant-based. Generally, some ghee is added in pulao at the end for some extra flavor but I don’t add it.
This pulao tastes good with some curd on the side and if you are a vegan, you can use plant-based curd too.
How to serve barley pulao?
You can serve this pulao with curd or Beetroot Raita. This pulao tastes very good with Amla Fry, Instant Chilli Pickle, or Cranberry Pickle.
Can we store Barley Lentil Pulao?
You can refrigerate this barley lentil pulao for up to 2 to 3 days. Heat it up while serving.
Easy Swaps
- Vegetables: Add any vegetable of your choice like potato, carrot, capsicum, cauliflower, etc.
More Dinner Recipes – just as good
- Green Moong Dal Pulao
- Chilli Peanut Ramen
- Vegan Spinach Basil Pesto Pasta
- Quinoa Lentil Pulao
- Andhra Style Curd Rice
Now grab all the ingredients because you are ready to make this delicious barley lentil pulao for your lunch or dinner. It is quick, easy, and very tasty.
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Happy Cooking 🙂
Love from us
Richa
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