Premium Pearl Barley: The Comforting, Chewy Wholegrain,Nutritious, Versatile & Perfect for Hearty Meals

Discover the wholesome goodness of our Premium Pearl Barley, a timeless wholegrain that brings comforting texture and rich nutrition to your table. With its distinctive chewy bite and ability to absorb flavours beautifully, pearl barley is a versatile staple that transforms simple ingredients into satisfying meals. This nutrient-dense grain cooks to a tender yet substantial consistency, making it perfect for everything from classic soups to modern grain bowls.

Naturally rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, pearl barley is a smart choice for supporting digestive health and providing sustained energy. While it contains gluten, its nutritional profile and culinary flexibility make it a valuable addition to any well-stocked pantry.

Why Choose Our Pearl Barley?

• Satisfying Chewy Texture: Creates a substantial, comforting mouthfeel that holds up well in cooking.

• Excellent Source of Fibre: Rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre to support digestive wellness.

• Low Glycemic Index: Provides slow-release energy, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

• Versatile Culinary Performer: Perfect for soups, stews, salads, and even as a rice alternative.

• Nutrient-Dense Wholegrain: Packed with selenium, B vitamins, and essential minerals.

Popular Ways to Use Pearl Barley:

• Hearty Soups & Stews: The classic use – adds body and nutrition to winter warmers.

• Barley Risotto (Orzotto): A delicious alternative to arborio rice for a creamy, satisfying dish.

• Grain Salads: Adds chewiness and substance to cold salads with fresh vegetables and dressings.

• Breakfast Porridge: Cook with milk and spices for a nourishing start to the day.

• Pilafs & Side Dishes: A nutritious alternative to rice or couscous.

Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

SpicenEasy's Classic Hearty Beef & Barley Soup

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup SpicenEasy Pearl Barley

• 500g beef chuck steak, cubed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 cups beef stock

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp SpicenEasy Dried Thyme

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, then set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Combine Ingredients: Return beef to the pot. Add pearl barley, beef stock, bay leaves, thyme, and tomato paste. Stir well.

4. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, until barley is tender and beef is very tender.

5. Season and Serve: Remove bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread.

Chef's Tip: For the best flavour, don't skip browning the beef – it creates a rich foundation for the soup. The soup will thicken as it stands due to the barley's starch. If it becomes too thick, simply thin with extra stock or water when reheating. This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months!

The SpicenEasy Promise

We bring you traditional, quality ingredients to nourish your family, delivered fresh to your door anywhere in New Zealand. From our wholesome pearl barley to our comforting, time-tested recipes, we're here to help you create meals that are both delicious and deeply satisfying.