Pearl barley is often overlooked. Make sure to grab pearl barley for this recipe, which is barley with the outer husk removed, giving the final dish a nuttier flavor. Cook off in half the time and reserve as the base for grain salads or as a risotto replacement.
Add 1 1/2 cups pearl barley, 3 cups water, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tbsp olive oil to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
Pressure cook the pearl barley on High for 18 minutes.
Once the cooking time is over, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release for 10 minutes on the Keep Warm setting. After 10 minutes, flip the valve to release any residual steam.
Fluff the pearl barley with a fork. Serve as a side, or use as a base for grain-based salads.