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Barley Choco-Orange pudding- no refined sugar, vegan

Anything but boring dessert with barley that adds wholegrain to your diet and successfully satisfies chocolate craving.
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Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • High speed blender
  • instant pot optional to cook barley

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pearl barley soak in 3 cups water for 4-6 hours
  • 4 medjool pitted dates
  • 2 Tbsp almond butter can use any nut butter
  • 2 Tbsp raw cacao powder- dark color preferred
  • 1.5 cup plant based milk- I used oat milk
  • 2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice can use unsweetened store bought orange juice
  • 3 Tbsp maple syrup adjust per your preference
  • 2 Tbsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
  • 2 tbsp chocolate chips optional
  • 2 tbsp Any mix of chopped nuts optional

Instructions
 

  • If you have time, start of with soaking barley, in water 4 hours ahead. This improves wholegrain nutrient availability and digestion.
  • In a heavy bottom pot, add the barley with water (1:3) ratio and on low-medium heat, with lid on , let it cook for 25 - 30 min.
    Once you see that barley is cooked, take the lid off, and let the extra water evaporate if you see copious amount of standing water. (Traces are ok)
  • If using instant pot. After you rinse the soaked barley. Add about double the amount of water and pressure cook in instant pot for about 15 min . Let the steam release naturally ,do not force it open.
  • Take a high speed blender jar and add the cooked barley, dates, cacao powder, almond butter, plant based milk , maple syrup, orange zest and blend into a smooth paste.
  • Add the paste back to the pot used to boil barley on low heat. Stir in the orange juice, Add vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Then add a mix of chopped nuts that give good texture, per your preference.
    Mix it evenly, until you reach pudding consistency, which is not too thick or thin, probably in 5-8 min.
  • Cool the pudding in fridge for up to an hour.
  • To serve, take small bowls, add a layer of orange slices, add the pudding. Top it with more fruits, cacao nibs- highly recommended, white chocolate shavings or shredded coconut flakes and nuts of your choice.