Easy Vegan Barley Kachumber

Barley Kachumber in an oval white platter with chaat masala and salt on the side on a dark background.

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5 from 2 votes

Barley Kachumber is a delicious oil free mix of vegetables and pearl barley with minimal seasonings.

It is great as a side for any meal plus pairs well with burgers, pastas, sandwiches or soups.

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Total Time35

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Indian

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 108kcal

Author: Smruti

Ingredients

For the Barley

¾ cup pearl barley
4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt

For the Kachumber

½ medium cucumber (peeled and diced)
½ medium carrot (peeled and diced)
½ medium onion (diced)
½ medium tomato (diced)
2-3 radish (diced)
¼ small red cabbage (diced)
2 teaspoon chaat masala
½ teaspoon black pepper powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

In a pan add water and salt. Bring to a boil.
¾ cup pearl barley, 4 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt
Add pearl barley and cook on medium flame for 20-25 minutes, stirring intermittently.
Cook till the pearls are soft yet hold their shape.
Remove and drain in a fine mesh strainer.
Transfer to a large bowl.
Add all the chopped vegetables.
½ medium cucumber, ½ medium carrot, ½ medium onion, ½ medium tomato, 2-3 radish, ¼ small red cabbage
Tip in the seasonings.
2 teaspoon chaat masala, ½ teaspoon black pepper powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Mix everything well and serve.

Video

Notes

Cook the barley in plenty of water. I like to use about 4 cups for ¾ cup of barley.
Remember that barley expands by about three and a half times on cooking. So pick the quantity accordingly.
Adding salt while cooking the barley pearls is optional. Skip is you plan to use the water for another purpose.
Add finely diced vegetables that mix in with the barley pearls.
The salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, it can be refrigerated for a couple of days.
Moreover, replace barley with millets, quinoa or cooked brown rice for an option.
The same kachumber can be converted to a raita by adding it to whipped yogurt.

Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates using an automated calculator. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

Nutrition