Print

Indian Curried Barley Pilaf Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 130 reviews

This Indian Curried Barley Pilaf is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender pearl barley cooked in a spiced chicken broth with butter, onion, and a blend of aromatic Indian spices. Enhanced with crunchy slivered almonds and optional raisins for a subtle sweetness, this pilaf makes a comforting side or a satisfying vegetarian main dish when prepared with vegetable broth.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 ½ cups pearl barley
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup slivered almonds
  • ¼ cup raisins (Optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  2. Add Spices and Barley: Stir in the ground allspice, ground turmeric, curry powder, salt, and ground black pepper into the softened onions. Mix well to release the spices’ aromas. Then add the pearl barley and stir to coat the grains evenly with the spiced butter and onion mixture.
  3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the 3 ½ cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for about 40-50 minutes, or until the barley is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  4. Finish and Garnish: When the barley is fully cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the slivered almonds and optional raisins. Cover again and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the almonds to soften slightly. Fluff the pilaf with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • If you prefer a nuttier flavor, toast the slivered almonds lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the pilaf.
  • Adjust the level of curry powder based on your personal spice preference.
  • Raisins add a pleasant sweetness but can be omitted if you prefer a savory dish.
  • Barley expands significantly, so make sure to use a pot large enough to avoid overflow during cooking.

Keywords: Indian, Curried, Barley Pilaf, Side Dish, Spiced Barley, Pilaf with Almonds

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/indian-curried-barley-pilaf-recipe/