Barley gruel explained

Barley gruel
Country:	China
Region:	Danyang, Jiangsu
Type:	Porridge
Main Ingredient:	Barley, rice and alkali

Barley gruel or Danyang barley porridge is a type of porridge found in Danyang, Jiangsu. It is made from barley, rice and alkali.

History

According to local legend, when the Qianlong Emperor came to Danyang, officials could not take expensive and delicate food. Worried, the officials presented barley gruel to the emperor. The emperor was happy with the food and enjoyed the taste. Since that time, the people of Danyang eat barley gruel for their breakfast and supper.

Cooking process

Prepare some barley flour which is mixed with water and some dietary alkali which is used to enhance the flavor of the gruel. As soon as the porridge starts boiling, turn down the flame and then pour the mixed barley paste into the porridge. After that, add a spoonful of dietary alkali to it and at the same time, stir the porridge. When the porridge boils again and it becomes yellow, it can be eaten.^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}

Traditional Chinese medicine

Barley porridge has two uses in Chinese medicine: strengthening the spleen and stomach and relieving sunstroke.^[5]

See also

• List of porridges

Notes and References

1. Web site: 趣话丹阳大麦粥-《烹调知识》2004年03期 . Cnki.com.cn . 2011-09-26.
2. Web site: 中国丹阳 . Danyang.gov.cn . 2009-09-09 . 2011-09-26 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110924143804/http://www.danyang.gov.cn/lyzpd/fsmq/2009/09/0911154042712.html . 2011-09-24 .
3. Web site: 趣话丹阳大麦粥―《烹调知识》―2004年第3期―龙源期刊网 . Qikan.com.cn . 2011-09-26 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120401064747/http://www.qikan.com.cn/Article/ptzs/ptzs200403/ptzs20040320.html . 2012-04-01 .
4. Web site: 丹阳大麦粥 . Xcb.tzsz.net . 2010-09-26 . 2011-09-26 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120402220059/http://xcb.tzsz.net/s/5/t/178/1c/db/info7387.htm . 2012-04-02 .
5. Web site: 大麦粥_新闻中心_新浪网 . News.sina.com.cn . 2008-08-06 . 2011-09-30.