Pearl Barley Porridge with Ham and Eggs

By DreiFromBK

Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• One 4-by-6-inch piece of kombu (see Note)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt
• 2 ounces cooked smoked ham, chopped (1/2 cup)
• 2 cups pearled barley
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 large eggs, poached
• Thinly sliced scallions, for serving

Details

Servings 4
Cooking time 140mins
Adapted from foodandwine.com

Preparation

Step 1

In a large saucepan, combine the cider, broth, kombu and 2 cups of water. Bring just to a boil, then remove from the heat. Let steep for 40 minutes. Discard the kombu and transfer the cider broth to a bowl.

Wipe out the saucepan and melt the butter in it. Add the onions, season with salt and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 20 minutes. Add the ham and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the barley, soy sauce and cider broth and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the barley is porridge-like, about 1 hour. Season with salt.

Spoon the porridge into bowls and top with the eggs. Garnish with scallions; serve.