Mark Bittman

Roasted Barley Tea

Preparation info
  • Makes

    1 quart

    • Difficulty

      Easy

    • Ready in

      30 min

Appears in
The Best Recipes in the World: More Than 1,000 International Dishes to Cook at Home
The Best Recipes in the World

By Mark Bittman

Published 2005

  • About

Most people find the distinctive flavor of this tea, which is served hot or cold, instantly appealing. Theoretically, it is a digestive aid, but in any case it’s a great alternative to soft drinks or sweet tea.

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup whole (not pearl) barley

Method

  1. Put the barley in a skillet over medium heat; toast for about 10 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until browned and fragrant. Meanwhile, bring 1 quart water to a boil.
  2. Add the barley to the water; cover, turn the heat to very low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and serve hot, at room temperature, or chilled. You can add sugar or honey if you like, but