Barley and smoked bacon skillet supper

Almost anyone who recalls having some pearl barley during his/ hers childhood did not have a very positive impression about it. However, there is a way to make it taste great! Katrin (katrinshine) is glad to share her recipe with us today.

You will need:
1 cup of pearl barley

3 cups of water
2 lbs of tomatoes, chopped or 1 can (28 oz) of diced unsalted tomatoes

1/2 lbs of salted smoked bacon, diced
1 large onion, chopped
olive oil

Wash the pearl barley several times. Leave it soaking in the water for at least 4 to 5 hours. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and continue cooking until the barley is tender and liquid is almost absorbed or use a colander to drain barley (reserve some cooking liquid).

Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet and sauté the onions over medium-high heat until golden in color. Add the bacon and cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the tomatoes and simmer all together on a low setting.

Stir in the cooked barley and reserved liquid. Continue to cook over low heat until heated thoroughly.

Add some salt if needed. Katrin is not using any salt in her recipe because the bacon is salty already. But if you feel you need to add some, feel free.

Enjoy!

Recipe & photography by Katrin (Katrinshine)
Translated by Natalia (Grimme)