Crumbly Barley Porridge in Water

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   For 4 servings of tasty barley porridge in water, you'll need a cup of barley grits, 800 ml of water, half a teaspoon of salt, and 40 grams of butter.

2. Step 2:

   

   The whole secret to the flavor of this barley porridge is toasting the grits first in a dry skillet. You don't need to rinse the grits — just pour them straight into a hot, dry skillet.

3. Step 3:

   

   Pour water into a pot for cooking the porridge, salt it, and set it over the heat.

4. Step 4:

   

   Stirring constantly, toast the grits over medium heat for 10 minutes. The barley grits should brown evenly as they toast.

5. Step 5:

   

   Pour the hot toasted barley grits from the skillet into the boiling water in the pot. Important: the grits should be hot, but not scorching hot, or pouring them into boiling water will cause a volcano-like eruption that could burn you. Let the toasted grits sit for 2–3 minutes so their temperature drops closer to 212°F (100°C), and only then pour them carefully into the boiling water.

6. Step 6:

   

   Cook the barley porridge over low heat, covered, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, until done. Once the water has boiled off, the porridge is ready.

7. Step 7:

   

   Spoon the hot barley porridge into bowls and add a pat of butter to each serving.

8. Step 8:

   

   Barley porridge cooked in water makes an excellent side dish; you can serve it with meat, fish, and, of course, salads.