This creamy barley porridge with shrimp is a comforting and elegant barley recipe. Inspired by simple pantry ingredients, it’s ready in under an hour. Nutritious, flavorful, and naturally suitable for people with diabetes thanks to barley’s lower glycemic index compared to rice or pasta, it’s a wholesome twist on risotto with a nutty, rustic touch.
🧾 Ingredients for Barley Porridge with Shrimp
- 2 small leeks
- 2 small onions
- 3 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 1–2 garlic cloves
- 2–3 cm fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 cup (175 mL) pearl barley
- 300 g peeled shrimp (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp barley flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1.5 to 2 liters vegetable broth or water
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Optional: plant-based cream for extra richness
- Fresh parsley or coriander, for garnish
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and finely chop the leeks, onions, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Add all chopped vegetables, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add the barley and toast it: Stir in the barley and cook for 2 minutes to release its nutty aroma.
- Mix the flour: In a small bowl, combine the barley flour with water to create a slurry, then stir into the pot.
- Add the broth: Gradually pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover.
- Simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the shrimp: Stir in the shrimp 5–8 minutes before the end. Cook until pink.
- Finish and serve: Adjust seasoning, add cream if desired, garnish with herbs. Enjoy warm!
🥗 What to Serve with This Dish
Pair with a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette.
Add toasted barley bread for crunch.
Serve with a warm cup of ginger tea for the perfect cozy match. 🍵
💚 Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Cozy & Creamy: Layers of flavor with shrimp, ginger, and veggies. Barley gives creaminess without cream.
- Budget-Friendly: Barley + veggies = affordable. A little shrimp goes far.
- Diabetic-Friendly: High fiber, protein, low GI — supports satiety and blood sugar balance.
⭐ Top Tips for Perfecting Barley Porridge
- ✅ Use peeled shrimp for quicker prep.
- ✅ Add shrimp at the end to keep them tender.
- ✅ Use barley flour for thicker texture (or all-purpose flour).
- ✅ Don’t skip fresh ginger for brightness.
- ✅ Stir occasionally for creaminess and to prevent sticking.
🧊 Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Keep in the fridge (airtight) up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Add a splash of broth, reheat gently.
- Freezing: Freeze portions up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, reheat as above.
This barley porridge with shrimp is meal-prep friendly — just as delicious the next day!
