Foodbuzz

Sunday 18 March 2012

Pearl Barley Water

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In most Chinese households in Singapore, Barley Water is a popular and healthy drink. One known to have a cooling effect on our bodies so what does one do when it's hot outside? Yes! make this drink! :) The barley grains are also a good source of fibre, has anti-oxidant and healing properties so it's better to eat rather than discard the grains to enjoy the full goodness from it. Also, the best thing about it is that it's so easy to make!!!
Ingredients
100g Pearl Barley (Rinsed under running water)
3 Pandan/Screwpine Leaves (Rinsed and tied into a knot) - Optional
10 candied winter melon - Optional
1.2l of water
Rock Sugar to taste
Pandan/Screwpine Leaves
Candied Winter Melon
Method
1) Place Pearl Barley, Pandan Leaves, Candied Winter Melon and water in a pot and bring to boil.
2) Once boiled, lower the heat and simmer for about 45 mins.
3) At this point, add rock sugar to taste. I didn't add any as the water was already slightly sweet from the candied winter melon.
4) Strain off the grains immediately as it'll start to soak up the liquid if it's left sitting in the water. Just add the grains back to the water once you've scooped it into a cup.
5) Drink hot or cold. It's pretty refreshing when it's cold. 

10 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks Lizzy. It was indeed a refreshing drink!

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  2. I think Koreans have something similar called barley tea. A friend made it, said it was very nutritious.

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    Replies
    1. Oh yes they have roasted barley tea but the flavour is quite different. I've come across barley(orzo) espresso in Italy before. It doesn't exactly taste of coffee but it's healthier!

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  3. Yeah like Three-Cookies said I know the Korean version of sweet barley drink but I've never tried this one. Is this Chinese or Singaporean influence drink?

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    Replies
    1. Both versions are nice.. can i say that it's a Chinese Singaporean influenced drink? hmm to tell you the truth, i'm not too sure if it originated from China or Singapore. Will have to find out.

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  4. How unusual. I've never seen a drink like this but would love to try it. The candied winter melon must add a little sweetness to it so we're talking sweet and healthy. Thanks for introducing this drink!

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    Replies
    1. you are very welcome. Oh yes, it adds sweetness so there's no need to add too much additional sugar if you don't like it too sweet.

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  5. You know how I consume pearl barley water now? I treat them as "grains" and cook them with porridge. Then I can have the "water" and eat the barley too.

    This is for the lazy cook who wishes to absorb nutrients all in one dish.

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  6. simple yet delicious ! My mom always cook this for me and my brothers..;)

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