When you're ready to give try your hand at steamed barley, here's my favorite way to do it:
The first step is using the proper equipment. There are many rice cookers on the market today, and if you have one chances are you already know how to cook your rice in it. It can also be used for barley.
I, however, don't own a rice cooker. Instead, I use my trusty countertop steamer which can do double duty as a veggie steamer AND a rice cooker/barley cooker. Two fantastic kitchen tools in one!
Begin by filling your steamer with FRESH water to the "max" line. (But be sure to read the directions that come with your steamer.) Next, mix your pre-soaked barley and water together in the steamer bowl.
(How much water do you add to the bowl? The amount of water is equal to the amount of barley BEFORE it was soaked. So if you soaked 1 cup of barley overnight, you will add 1 cup of water to the pre-soaked barleye. Did you soak 2 cups of rice overnight? Add 2 cups of water to the bowl.)
Place the lid on top, and set the timer for 45 minutes. Now you're free to forget all about it as you go about your day. Your barley will come out perfectly every single time, with no watching or fuss! By far my most favoritest way of preparing barley (and many other grains too).
Your pressure cooker barley is ready to eat. Decorate it with some of your favorite ingredients from Barley's "Vegan Flavor Matches" list.