Barley has a mild flavor when used alone but has the ability to absorb flavors of the ingredients mixed with it, giving body to dishes by retaining its shape during cooking. It can serve as a side dish alone, mixed with other grains or as an addition to salads. For a softer texture try adding 4 cups water to 1 cup barley. Hulled barley has only the outer husk removed, and is thus more nutritious than pearled barley, which has the husk, bran and germ removed. Barley has a rich, nutlike flavor and chewy consistency that makes it a hearty addition to soups and stews.