Ingredients:
2 ounces roasted barley ( 1/4 cup)
1 1/2 pints water
honey, can be added to help sooth sore throat
lemons, can be added to help sooth sore throat
Directions:
To make plain barley water i? 1/2 put two ounces of barley into a small saucepan along with 1-1/2 pints of water.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 6 minutes.
Strain through cheesecloth, forcing out all the juice.
Barley water is a very nutritious cooling drink that helps bring down fever.
It is also useful for those suffering from bronchitis and asthma.
To Roast barley(use pot or pearl barleyi? 1/2 pearled barley being more refined than pot barley but making no difference to the tea).
In a hot a cast iron skillet until a drop of water sizzles when dropped into pan.
Measure barley into a sieve and rinse under cold running water.
Towel dry.
Put barley in skillet and dry roast, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for even toasting, until it turns golden.
Over-roasting will produce a coffee-like drink!
To make a caffeine-free coffee substitute, roast the barley until it is brown.
Cool and grind.
Then roast again until fragrant and very dark– but not burnt.
Use in place of regular ground coffee, experimenting with amounts until desired strength is reached.
Servings: 2
Time preparation: 5 min.
Time total: 11 min.