Bean & barley soup

Low-fat, vegetarian and super-healthy, this filling one-pot lunch or dinner is packed with chickpeas, butter beans and pearl barley

Pearl barley, parsnip & sage risotto

Pearl barley makes a great alternative to rice in this vegetarian risotto recipe flavoured with sage, garlic and Parmesan

Beetroot, bacon, cranberry & grain salad

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
This colourful salad takes only 5 minutes to prepare and is packed with bold flavours of beetroot, dried berries, crispy bacon and peppery rocket

Falafels with hummus & tabbouleh

Make your own chickpea and butter bean fritters and serve with a herby couscous salad – the recipe makes enough for two meals

Chorizo & rosemary pearl barley risotto

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
Replace the usual rice with filling, storecupboard barley. Spicy Spanish sausage provides a rich flavour and vibrant colour

Slow-cooked Irish stew

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only

Middle neck or scrag end of lamb are flavoursome cuts and perfect for braising. This traditional casserole contains filling pearl barley, too

Pearl barley, bacon & leek casserole

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
This storecupboard grain makes a great alternative to rice or couscous. Team with bacon and veggies in this risotto-like stew

Walnut & stilton orzotto with roasted squash & Port sauce

MasterChef finalist, Alex Rushmer, shows us how to create a show-stopping vegetarian starter for the festive season

Vegetable stew with herby dumplings

The pearl barley makes this stew really hearty – perfect for a cold winter evening

Broad bean, barley & mint salad

These little green beans go really well with grains like pearl barley – for a light touch, serve cold with goat’s cheese, mint and nuts

Shredded chicken, green bean & barley salad with paprika & lemon

This colourful rustic salad can be made in under an hour

Squash & barley salad with balsamic vinaigrette

A flavour-packed, unusual salad that’s delicious warm or cold – works really well as part of a buffet