Go Back

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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dessert
Ingredients Equipment Method

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

Equipment

  • High speed blender
  • instant pot optional to cook barley

Method
 

  1. If you have time, start of with soaking barley, in water 4 hours ahead. This improves wholegrain nutrient availability and digestion.
  2. 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)
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Cool the pudding in fridge for up to an hour.
  7. 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.