Summer is at its peak and we can feel it with the constant sunshine. At this time, staying hydrated is the most important thing to do. During summer, our body loses water and other essential minerals very fast. Although water is the most important drink to quench our thirst, sometimes we need variety, right? Apart from water, many summer coolers will not only hydrate you but also nourish you. One such recipe is barley cooler. Easy to make and very refreshing, this barley cooler is made with simple pantry ingredients and can be eaten with meals or as a drink. Want to learn how to make this delicious cooler? Then don’t worry!
Also read:5 Desi Summer Coolers You Should Drink To Beat The Heat
Digital content creator Nitya Hegde (@finefettlecookerys) shared an easy recipe for this refreshing cooler, packed with the goodness of barley and the flavours of spices.
Watch the full video of Barley Cooler here:
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How to make Barley Cooler at home | Barley Cooler Recipe
Digital creator Nitya Hegde has shared an easy recipe to make barley cooler on her Instagram handle. To make this cooler, take a tablespoon of barley. Wash them and soak them in water for about 6-7 hours. After soaking, keep it aside. Take a pan and add the soaked barley to it along with two cups of water. Cook it on low flame till the barley becomes soft and tender. It will take about 10-15 minutes.
When it is cooked, pour the barley water into a vessel and keep it aside. For tempering, add oil, cumin seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves and chopped green chilies in a bowl. Mix well so that all the ingredients are cooked. Now add this tempering to the barley water. For taste, squeeze half a lemon into it and add some sugar (according to your taste). Mix the ingredients well and serve!
Bonus Tip:
Chill the barley cooler in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Garnish it with mint leaves and lemon wedges to make it look attractive. Top it up with ice and eat in style to beat the heat!
Photo Credit: iStock
Why should you include barley in your daily diet?
While barley can be used to make many delicious dishes, that is not the only reason why you should include it in your daily diet. Apart from its cooling properties, barley also offers many health benefits:
1. Rich in fibre
Barley contains insoluble fiber which helps in healthy digestion, glucose metabolism and heart health. Consuming foods rich in fiber can make you feel full for a longer period of time. Therefore, if you consume barley, you will feel more satisfied after meals and will also be able to control blood sugar levels.
2. Weight loss
Are you struggling to lose weight? Include barley in your diet! Compared to refined grain products like white bread, consuming whole grains like barley can reduce your hunger levels. Also, it helps in absorbing starch at a slower rate. So, barley can do wonders for your weight!
3. Increases immunity
Due to the high amount of nutrients in barley, it helps in strengthening the body’s immunity and reduces the chances of cold and flu. Barley contains iron, which helps prevent fatigue and anemia. Apart from this, it helps in the smooth functioning of the kidneys and the growth of body cells.
4. Lower blood sugar levels
Barley can help control type 2 diabetes in your body. This is because barley is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially beta-glucan soluble fiber, which slows down glucose absorption.
5. Controls cholesterol levels
Barley contains insoluble fiber that produces propionic acid which helps keep blood cholesterol levels low. Since it is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, it is low in fat, so it can help control cholesterol levels.
Also read:Enjoy the goodness of bougainvillea with this delicious summer cooler
Now that you know the benefits of including barley in your daily diet, will you try this cooler? Let us know in the comments below!
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