Can I substitute Barley for orzo?

Hey all. I came across a recipe that calls for the use of orzo pasta and was wondering if I could use pearled barley in place of the orzo in this dish.



I've never tried barley, but have been meaning to. Do you guys think this would taste any good?



Thanks!





Oh, here is the recipe is anyone wants it. It's from Guy's Big Bite on Food Network:



Mediterranean Madness Salad



1 medium eggplant, cut into 1/2- inch cubes

2 cloves garlic, smashed and roughly chopped

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

8 ounces orzo

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 cup diced red onion

4 tablespoons minced Italian parsley

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled and chopped into small 1/4-inch pieces

1 medium size cucumber, peeled and seeded, diced

3 tablespoons capers

2 tablespoons chopped sundried tomatoes (1/4-inch pieces)

16 kalamata olives, pitted and chopped fine

1/2 cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts (1/2-inch pieces)

2 tablespoons liquid from marinated artichoke hearts

2 teaspoons lemon zest

2 teaspoons minced fresh mint

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

4 to 5 Romaine lettuce leaves





Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a small bowl, toss cubed eggplant with the garlic and oil. Spread on sheet pan and place in preheated oven. Cook until golden brown, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally for even browning. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to directions and drain. Remove eggplant to a large nonmetallic bowl. Add pasta and stir in 1/2 cup of feta while pasta and eggplant are still warm. Set aside to cool while preparing other ingredients.



Add in the rest of the ingredients except the romaine and gently stir to combine, adding remaining feta cheese last. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill for 1 hour and serve on a bed of romaine on a large platter.Can I substitute Barley for orzo?
Sure you can. The barley will take longer to cook and does have a different flavor as others have indicated, but there are so many strong flavors it's unlikely it will make a huge difference, it will taste a bit nuttier if anything.

It will be chewier than pasta, but barley is a good base for this kind of dish.

Here's an example from allrecipes





Southwestern Barley Salad

Submitted by: Tommi Roylance

Rated: 4 out of 5 by 6 members Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Ready In: 20 Minutes

Yields: 8 servings



"Cilantro comes through in this colorful side that's zesty but not too spicy. It also makes a great luncheon dish when served with sesame breadsticks, sherbet and sugar cookies. It's sure to satisfy! --Tommi Roylance of Charlo, Montana"

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups cooked medium pearl

barley

1 (15 ounce) can black beans,

rinsed and drained

1 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed

1 1/2 cups diced, seeded

tomato

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro or

parsley

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/2 cup water

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon finely chopped

onion

1 tablespoon canola oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

8 lettuce leaves

1 ripe avocado, peeled and

sliced

2 medium tomatoes, cut into

wedges



DIRECTIONS:

1. In a bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the water, lemon juice, onion, oil and garlic; shake well. Pour over barley mixture and toss to coat. Serve on lettuce-lined plates. Garnish with avocado and tomatoes.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 漏 2008 Allrecipes.com Printed from Allrecipes.com 12/11/2008
I think there's a taste difference between barley and orzo and for a Mediterranean salad the taste is very important. I'd use orzo for this one, and try the barley later on, maybe in a Beef %26amp; Barley soup recipe?Can I substitute Barley for orzo?
no i sure wouldn't if anything cut spaghettit up as tiny as you can about the size of a pencil lead. you need the pasta consistancy not the grain thickness.
I wouldn't, very differnet ingredients and taste. I would go with orzo.Can I substitute Barley for orzo?
No....



Orzo is much different........

d3100