Whether you prefer your porridge hot or cold, there’s a good chance you’ve had oatmeal at some point. Oats are one of the most commonly consumed foods in the world. They’re an inexpensive staple with numerous health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and reducing blood pressure. Barley is another frequently consumed staple. While it may not be as popular, it’s also a very important part of the human diet. It has a mild flavor and creamy texture and can take on other flavors well for prepared dishes such as soups and stews. For example, barley is often added to meat dishes to tenderize them or add additional bulk. Roasted barley malt provides a fantastic opportunity to use this staple food while also improving the result.

What is Roasted Barley Malt?

If you’ve never heard of roasted barley malt, let alone tried it, then you’re missing out. This type of barley malt is produced by roasting barley kernels over an open flame, which causes them to release their starch. This process generates a type of malt that has a higher protein content and improves the flavor of many dishes. Roasted malt can be used much like regular barley malt. It functions similarly, lending a certain depth of flavor to your recipes. In addition to oatmeal, roasted barley malt can also be used to make a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, pilafs, and more.

How to Use Roasted Barley Malt

Roasted barley malt is most commonly used to make oatmeal, a wholesome breakfast staple. It can also be used to make other wholesome breakfast staples such as porridge, Reubens, and granola bars. Other dishes that can benefit from roasted barley malt include creamy rice pilafs, casseroles, and even soups. You can also make healthy snacks, such as barley granola bars and barley pretzels. You can also use roasted barley malt in baked goods, such as muffins and bread.

Benefits of Using Roasted Barley Malt

– High in protein: One of the main benefits of roasted barley malt is its high protein content. This nutrient is important for maintaining a healthy metabolism and building lean muscle. – High in minerals: Roasted barley malt is also rich in minerals, such as manganese, selenium, copper, potassium, calcium, and zinc. These minerals support bone health and are important for energy metabolism. – High in fiber: Barley is a great source of soluble fiber, which helps you feel fuller longer. It also has soluble fiber, an insoluble form that aids digestion and reduces your risk of diabetes. – Anti-inflammatory: Roasted barley malt has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help to reduce the risk of developing heart disease and certain cancers due to its high levels of vitamins A and E.

How to Make Roasted Barley Malt at Home

Roasting barley is easy to do, but if you’re new to the process, it may seem complex. You don’t need any special ingredients or equipment to make roasted barley malt at home. All you need is barley, a heavy-bottomed pot, a lid, and a stovetop or grill. First, wash and dry the barley. You can use any type of barley, but the kernel size needs to be large enough to fit through the holes of a colander. You can also use pearl barley, but it’s not commonly used. Next, find a stovetop or grill that can accommodate the pot you’re using. You can also make your malt on a range, as long as it can be heated to medium to high temperatures. Put the pot on the stove and add water. You should fill the pot about halfway so that the barley doesn’t get too dry while roasting. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. When the water starts to boil, lower the heat to medium. You don’t want to burn the barley, so make sure the water is not boiling vigorously. After five minutes, uncover the pot and stir the barley. After another five minutes, cover the pot again and continue cooking. You want to keep the water at a low simmer, so the barley can roast while staying moist. After 30 minutes, turn off the stove and let the barley sit in the pot for another 10 minutes. The barley will have a darker color and will be roasted nicely. Take the barley out of the pot and let it sit on a plate or in a bowl. You can use it right away, or you can store it in an airtight container for up to one week.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

– What is barley? This is one of the oldest domesticated crops. It has been cultivated since 9,000 BC and is rich in protein and fiber, making it a healthy and filling food. – What is malt? Malt is produced when barley grains are malted, which makes them more malleable. The process causes the husk on the kernel to open up, exposing the grain’s starch. – Will roasted barley malt change the flavor of the cooked foods? This depends on the recipes you use it in. For example, in oatmeal, the barley flavor is not very noticeable. In rice or barley pilafs though, it does make a substantial difference. – How much barley should I use? One cup of raw barley will produce one cup of roasted barley malt.

Conclusion

If you love oatmeal but want to try something different, roasted barley malt is a great alternative. With its robust flavor and high protein content, this barley malt can add an extra dimension to your next batch of porridge. You can also use roasted barley malt in other dishes, such as creamy rice pilafs, casseroles, soups, and more. It has a robust flavor and also adds high amounts of minerals and fiber that can benefit your health.