Barley porridge with pan-fried onions


It is the ultimate meal on a budget. If you're low on money it is a life saver :) Barley is really cheap and very filling. It can be quite bland if you don't season it well, so I recommend to add some good spices and herbs and maybe serve it with some soy sauce. The fried onions are the perfect companions for this dish.




  • 400 g pearl barley
  • a pinch of pepper
  • 2 tsp vegetable stock powder or some salt to taste
  • 2 tsp barbecue spice (with salt)
  • 2 large onions and a pinch of salt
  • 3 tbsp oil

Add barley to a thick-bottomed pot and pour enough water on it so there would be a few centimetres water above the barley. Simmer for 1-2 hours. Add some water if needed. When the barley is soft, add the pepper, vegetable stock powder and barbecue spice. Stir and boil for a couple of minutes.

When the barley is boiling you can fry the onions: add oil to the hot pan, add sliced onions and some salt. Fry until golden brown. Serve with boiled barley.