Vitebsk-style pearl barley porridge
4 servings
60 minutes
Vitebsk-style pearl porridge is a cozy dish of Russian cuisine infused with the spirit of rural hearth. Pearl barley, known for its nutrition, is cooked until partially done and combined with tender mashed potatoes, milk, and butter in a clay pot. Long baking in the oven gives the porridge a velvety texture and rich creamy flavor. Finally, fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness. This recipe traces back to village traditions when dishes were cooked in an oven to preserve maximum aroma and benefits. An ideal choice for those who appreciate the simplicity and heartiness of classic Russian flavors.

1
Boil the rinsed pearl barley until half-cooked, about 15 minutes.
- Pearl barley: 150 g
2
At the same time, we boil the peeled potatoes until cooked.
- Potato: 4 pieces
3
We mash the potatoes with a masher, like for puree.
- Potato: 4 pieces
4
In a clay pot, mix the potatoes with pearl barley, milk, and 25 grams of butter.
- Potato: 4 pieces
- Pearl barley: 150 g
- Milk: 0.25 l
- Butter: 50 g
5
Place in a preheated oven and hold at 150–200 degrees for 30 minutes.
- Pearl barley: 150 g
- Potato: 4 pieces
6
We extract it, place the remaining butter on top, and add a few sprigs of parsley.
- Butter: 50 g
- Parsley: 3 g









