It's funny how you take certain things for granted. When I was growing up and living in Malaysia, there were certain drinks that I used to love – soya milk, grass jelly, chrysanthemum, longan and barley. However, when I came to Australia, I soon found out the hard way that all the things I took for granted whilst growing up, I had to learn to make.
One such thing is this refreshing barley drink. It’s not hard to make, in fact so easy that I am ashamed to actually put this post up. But if you were anything like me and have never had to make something before because the need never arose, (as you can actually buy a big glass of this drink for 50 Malaysian cents…..yes you heard right), then I am sure you will find this post useful. Also, for all of you who thought that barley is only used to make soup or beer, think again. Try this refreshing drink and you will never see barley in the same light again. Also, my friend Hong K in KL assures me that it is good if you have congestion. Drink it cold in summer or warm in winter. Enjoy your REFRESHING BARLEY DRINK.
Ingredients (makes 1.5 to 2 litres)
150 g white pearl barley
2 litres of water
Sugar - to taste
Lemon (optional) – to taste
Method
Boil the barley in 2 litres of water until it has split (around 30 mins). Keep topping up the water to ensure that you will have around 2 litres of drink.
Strain the drink into a jug. You may add about a third of the barley grains back into the jug if you like (this is not necessary – you may choose to discard the barley). Add sugar and lemon to taste. Serve warm or cold.
It does look refreshing and very easy to make.
ReplyDeleteGrace
wow.. nice entry... thxs for sharing..
ReplyDeleteWow healthy and really refreshing drink dear.
ReplyDeleteVG, I never see a barley that comes in a can. Are they from Malaysia? Here everything is from China. You are right. We never appreciates what we have back home until we are far away from home :)
ReplyDeleteThat looks so refreshing and healthy, have never heard of barley used this way...will give it a try!
ReplyDeleteHai Vin, how r u? Just came back from holidays..hahaa...so lazy to start cooking and editing too, hehe...got laundry to clear up!! Get back to the office with tired face today...hahaa
ReplyDeleteGrace - it sure is on both accounts.
ReplyDeleteThank you priya and you are welcome.
Yes Lubna, very refreshing.
Gert, yes we can get Ayam brand here. This one is packed in Malaysia, with the barly from Holland. We have Australian, Indian and Chinese barley too. And I concur - you never appreciate things until it eludes you!
Usha, barley is a very popular drink in Malaysia and Singapore. You can get it in cafes, coffee shops and road side stalls all over Malaysia.
Hi Kak Ummi, welcome back from your holidays. I am sure you had a great time. have you posted any pics on your blog? I'll come over and check it out soon. I can sympathise with you. I was tired too when I came back from my holidays!
My mom does some sort of boiled or herbed drinks every Sat .. like those you mentioned, barley, crysanthenum or sugar cane drink even. She would boil a huge pot and when cooled, transfer them into individual bottles and refrigerate them. We will then take a bottle each every time we leave the house for work, shopping, etc. Convenient!
ReplyDeletewow! its a healthy drink1 thanks for sharing the recipe!
ReplyDeletefirst time to ur blog and it is too good!
visit my blog when u find time!
definitely refreshing and healthy too:-)
ReplyDeleteJo, I too make a batch and leave it in the fridge, especially for summer. My favourite - chin chau (grass jelly) and longan and air bandung; except it is too fattening with all that condensed milk :((
ReplyDeleteWelcome SriLekha and Shreya.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog and for leaving comments. I am going to visit you both right now :D
Vg, this look very refreshing. I will try it . I never had barley drink with lemon. Must be very nice to drink this since I am having a sore throat. Thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeletewow lovely christmas deco on your blog!
ReplyDeleteHi Zue
ReplyDeleteYes, the lemon gives it a nice 'edge' and drunk warm, really soothes a sore throat.
Thank you Big Boys. I am indeed in the Christmas spirit and my blog got a make over too!