Let me tell you about my absolute favorite breakfast solution: Fig + Almond Overnight Barley! This dish is a game-changer for busy mornings. Imagine waking up to a nutritious meal that’s already ready for you in the fridge—total bliss! The combination of chewy barley, sweet figs, and crunchy almonds creates such a delightful texture, and it’s loaded with health benefits too. It’s packed with fiber and protein, making it a perfect way to kickstart your day. I love how simple it is to throw together the night before; just a bit of mixing and chilling, and I’m all set! Whether I’m rushing to work or enjoying a slow weekend morning, this recipe fits perfectly into my lifestyle. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked too!

Ingredients List

1 cup barley
1 cup almond milk
1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
1/4 cup almonds, chopped
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Prepare Fig + Almond Overnight Barley

Getting your Fig + Almond Overnight Barley ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious breakfast waiting for you in the morning.

Step 1: Rinse the Barley

First things first, rinse your barley under cold water. This step is super important because it helps remove any excess starch and ensures that your barley is nice and clean. Just place it in a fine-mesh strainer and let the water run over it for a minute or so. Trust me, it makes a difference in the texture!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Next, grab a big mixing bowl and throw in the rinsed barley, almond milk, chopped figs, chopped almonds, honey (or maple syrup if you prefer), cinnamon, and salt. Now, mix everything together until it’s well combined. I love using a spatula for this—it’s easy to make sure everything is evenly distributed. The smell of the cinnamon mixing with the sweet figs is simply heavenly!

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight

Once everything is thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This is where the magic happens! Pop it in the fridge and let it chill overnight. The barley will soak up all those lovely flavors and soften up beautifully—trust me, you’ll want to let it sit for at least 8 hours for the best results!

Step 4: Serve

In the morning, take it out of the fridge and give it a good stir. You can enjoy your Fig + Almond Overnight Barley cold, straight from the bowl, or warm it up for a cozy breakfast. If you like, add a splash more almond milk to loosen it up a bit. Either way, it’s going to be delicious! I love sprinkling a few extra almonds on top for a bit of crunch before diving in!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to breakfast, I love knowing that I’m fueling my body with something nutritious, and this Fig + Almond Overnight Barley doesn’t disappoint! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving:

Calories: 250
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 6g
Sugars: 10g
Sodium: 100mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you choose. For instance, if you opt for different nuts or sweeteners, the nutritional content may shift a bit. But overall, you can feel good about starting your day with this wholesome dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Fig + Almond Overnight Barley is truly a breakfast superstar! Here are just a few reasons why I think you’ll absolutely adore it:

Nutritious and Filling: Packed with fiber and protein, this breakfast will keep you satisfied and energized all morning long.
Quick to Prepare: With just a few minutes of prep the night before, you can wake up to a delicious meal waiting for you—no cooking required!
Customizable: Feel free to switch up the dried fruits, nuts, or sweeteners to match your taste. The possibilities are endless!
Vegan-Friendly: Made with almond milk and no animal products, this recipe fits perfectly into a vegan lifestyle.
Great Make-Ahead Option: Perfect for meal prep, this dish can be made in advance, making busy mornings a breeze.
Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy it cold for a refreshing start or warm it up for a cozy breakfast treat—either way, it’s a winner!

Trust me, once you give this recipe a try, it’ll become a regular in your breakfast rotation!

Tips for Success

Want to make your Fig + Almond Overnight Barley even more amazing? Here are my top tips to ensure you nail it every time!

Adjust the Sweetness: If you’re like me and love a little sweetness, feel free to tweak the amount of honey or maple syrup to suit your taste buds! You can start with just a tablespoon and add more if you want it sweeter.
Experiment with Dried Fruits: Don’t have figs? No problem! You can swap them out for other dried fruits like apricots, raisins, or even cranberries. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor and sweetness, so have fun with it!
Mix Up the Nuts: While almonds are fantastic, you can use walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios for a delightful twist. Each nut adds a different texture and taste that can change the whole vibe of the dish.
Don’t Skip the Refrigeration: Giving your mixture time to sit overnight is crucial. It allows the barley to absorb all those delicious flavors and soften nicely. If you’re in a rush, try to let it chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best!
Storage is Key: If you have leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
Add a Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the mix. It really elevates the flavors and makes each bite even more scrumptious!

With these tips, you’ll be a Fig + Almond Overnight Barley pro in no time! Enjoy your delicious breakfast adventure!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up with your Fig + Almond Overnight Barley, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

Nutty Delights: While almonds are a fantastic choice, try using walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans for a different flavor profile. Each nut will bring its own unique crunch and taste!
Fruit Fiesta: Switch out the figs for other dried fruits like dates, apricots, or even dried cherries. Each option adds its own sweetness and texture—plus, you can mix and match for a fruity medley!
Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of ginger for a warm kick. A sprinkle of cocoa powder could also turn it into a chocolatey treat!
Seeds for Crunch: Want some extra crunch? Toss in some chia seeds or flaxseeds for added nutrition and texture. They’ll give your overnight barley an extra boost of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids!
Sweet Swaps: If you’re looking to change the sweetness, try using agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey. Each sweetener brings its own unique flavor and can alter the dish’s overall vibe!
Tropical Twist: For a taste of the tropics, consider adding some shredded coconut or dried mango. It’s like a mini vacation in a bowl!

With these variations, you can make your Fig + Almond Overnight Barley feel fresh and new every time! So, go ahead and let your taste buds lead the way—happy cooking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Fig + Almond Overnight Barley is super easy, and it’s a great way to enjoy it throughout the week! If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a rare occurrence because it’s so delicious), just transfer them to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents any funky fridge smells from sneaking in. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just remember to give it a stir before serving, as it might thicken a bit in the fridge.

Now, if you’re in the mood for a warm breakfast, you can easily reheat your Fig + Almond Overnight Barley. Just scoop out a portion into a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of almond milk to loosen it up, and pop it in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds. Give it a good stir halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. If you prefer, you can also warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s just heated through. It’s that simple!

Remember, whether you enjoy it cold or warm, you’re in for a delightful breakfast treat each time. Enjoy your Fig + Almond Overnight Barley adventure!

FAQ Section

Got questions about your Fig + Almond Overnight Barley? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get about this delicious recipe, along with my answers to help you out.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely! While almond milk is my go-to for this recipe, you can use any plant-based milk you like—oat milk, soy milk, or even coconut milk will work wonderfully. Just remember that each milk brings its own flavor, so choose one that you enjoy!

What if I don’t have dried figs?

Not a problem! You can easily substitute dried figs with other dried fruits such as apricots, dates, or raisins. Each option will change the flavor a bit, but they’ll all be delicious!

How long can I store the leftovers?

Your Fig + Almond Overnight Barley will last in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If it thickens up in the fridge, just stir in a bit of almond milk before enjoying it again!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Barley is not gluten-free, but you can substitute it with gluten-free grains like quinoa or rolled oats. Just adjust the soaking time as needed, and you’ll have a tasty gluten-free breakfast!

Is it okay to eat it warm?

Definitely! While I love it cold, warming up your Fig + Almond Overnight Barley is a fantastic option for chilly mornings. Just add a splash of almond milk when reheating to keep it creamy and delicious!

Can I double the recipe?

Of course! This recipe is super easy to scale. Just double all the ingredients and use a larger mixing bowl. You’ll have enough breakfast to feed the whole family or to meal prep for the week!

Got more questions? Feel free to reach out, and I’ll be happy to help you on your Fig + Almond Overnight Barley journey! Enjoy every bite!

Fig + Almond Overnight Barley: 5 Reasons to Love It

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes plus overnight chilling
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Refrigeration
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A nutritious and easy-to-make breakfast option that combines figs and almonds with barley.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup barley
1 cup almond milk
1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
1/4 cup almonds, chopped
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Rinse the barley under cold water.
In a bowl, combine barley, almond milk, figs, almonds, honey, cinnamon, and salt.
Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, stir and serve cold or warm.

Notes

Adjust sweetness to your preference.
Can substitute figs with other dried fruits.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Fig, Almond, Overnight, Barley

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