World Flavors Cookbook

Athara (Barley Porridge)

Name: Athara (Barley Porridge)
Cook time: 40 min
Cuisine: Ancient World
Ingredients: pearled barley, water, salt, olive oil, optional: honey, dried figs, or leeks

Whole barley simmered in water to a thick porridge — the humble staple of the Spartan and Athenian poor, flavored only with salt and a drizzle of oil.

Cuisine: Ancient World

Ingredients

pearled barley, water, salt, olive oil, optional: honey, dried figs, or leeks

Instructions

Rinse barley. Add to 3x its volume of cold water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat. Simmer 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and porridge-like. Season generously with salt. Drizzle with olive oil. Optionally sweeten with honey or serve with dried figs on the side.