Barley is actually one of the oldest consumed grains in the world. It was a staple grain for peasants during medieval times for centuries and today is still included in the diet of many European, African, and Middle Eastern nations that have been eating barley for thousands of years.
Barley provides a range of important vitamins and minerals: fiber, selenium, B vitamins, copper, chromium, phosphorus, magnesium, niacin, and more. And when compared to many other grains, even other ancient whole-grains, barley is lower in fat and calories, but higher in dietary fiber and certain trace minerals. For example a one-cup serving of cooked barley has less calories, but more fiber, than an equal serving of quinoa, brown rice, amaranth, sorghum, millet or wild rice.
Barley is high in fibre that aids in weight loss, digestion and constipations, helps lower high Cholesterol, controls blood sugar levels, prevents heart disease, provides anti-oxidant and high in vitamins & minerals.
Pumpkin is rich in phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are neither vitamins nor minerals, however, these naturally occurring plant substances have protective, disease-preventing properties. The main phytonutrient found in pumpkin is carotenoids. Carotenoids are responsible for the beautiful orange color of the pumpkin. There are three main functions of carotenoids, (1) prevent vitamin A deficiency, (2) enhance immune function and (3) promote proper cell communication.
This dessert/drink is particularly suitable for the hot weather and so refreshing when you have it chilled. I added dried winter melon candy and lots of pandan leaves to further enhance the flavor of the drink. Pandan leaves has alot of health benefits too if you search for it in google.
Ingredients:
1250ml Water
90g Pumpkin (skin & seed removed) - diced
60g Barley
5-8 pcs Dried Winter Melon Candy
95g Rock Sugar or to taste
8 pcs Pandan Leaves
Step by Step:
1. Rinse barley & pandan leaves.
2. Bring water to a boil. Add in barley, pandan leaves, dried wintermelon candy & boil for 30 mins.
3. Then add in pumpkin and continue to boil for another 30 mins. You may turn to low heat to let it simmer.
4. Add rock sugar and cook till it melts for about 10 mins.
5. Turn off heat & ready to serve.
6. Serve hot or chilled.
Have a great day!!