Tuesday 7 January 2014

Barley porridge with prune sauce

It's a new year and i bet you've made some sort of resolution to eat healthier this year. Well, here's something to try. You wouldn't think it when you eat it but there is no butter in this recipe and even made with skimmed milk you get a really creamy, velvety porridge that you could well make for a luxurious sunday brunch or as lunch for your family.

The prune sauce is not something that has to be made with this porridge, but they go well together. 

Barley porridge

1 1/5 dl wholegrain whole barley grains (soaked overnight)
1/2 l water
1 l milk
1 1/2 - 2 tsp salt

Put the barley grains to soak in some water the night before you're making your porridge, or in the morning if you're making it in the evening. This way you shorten the cooking time somewhat.

Put the water and the milk in a pot and bring to the boil. Add the barley. Let simmer on low heat for about 2 hours until it is thick and creamy. Stir now and then.

For the first 90 minutes it pretty much takes care of itself but for the last half hour it needs more attention so it doesn't burn. Just remember to check that it doesn't boil over. You might need something to put between the pot and it's lid so it doesnt's close completely. A wooden spoon for example.

Prune sauce

75 g pitted prunes
5-6 dl cold water
1 1/2 tbsp potato flour
2 tbsp sugar (optional)

Mix the potato flour and the cold water in a pot. Add the prunes. You don't have to cut them, they will brake into pieces when cooked. Add the sugar if you want. The prunes are quite sweet in themselves so you don't necessarily need it. Let simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes. Ready.

Are you thinking: 2 hours is a long time to make porridge? When would i ever have time for that? Well you're right. It is a long time. But it doesn't need your attention all the time. It just needs you close by so you notice if it starts to boil over, milk is tricky that way. But while i was making todays barley porridge i emptied the dishwasher and cleaned up in the kitchen. I made myself a cup of coffee and sat down and drank it. I saved my son who had gotten stuck behind a chair. At this point i realised i still had an hour left of the cooking time so i decided to make some super easy oat cookies.

And at the end of it we got a super delicious lunch with cookies for dessert. And the best part is that it's healthy and very rich in fibres, which is good for both little boys and their pregnant mothers.

Happy New Year!




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