Can I use quick-cooking barley?

While you can use quick-cooking barley, the texture will be different, and the cook time will be significantly shorter. Keep a close eye on it and adjust the liquid accordingly.

Can I add fresh fruit?

Yes, you can add fresh fruit towards the end of the cooking process. Berries, sliced bananas, or diced apples are great additions.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, pearl barley contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, you could try substituting the barley with quinoa or rice.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, brown sugar will add a deeper, molasses-like flavor to the mues.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the barley is tender., stirring occasionally.

Frucht Mues – Traditional Hutterite Fruit Pudding Recipe

Name: Frucht Mues
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Hutterite
Ingredients: 4 cups milk; 1/2 cup uncooked pearl barley; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, dates); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon butter

Description

Frucht Mues, or fruit pudding, is a traditional Hutterite dessert. This comforting dish is made with pearl barley, milk, and dried fruit, slow-cooked into a creamy and hearty pudding that has been passed down for generations.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups milk
1/2 cup uncooked pearl barley
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, dates)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter

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Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine milk, pearl barley, sugar, and salt.
Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until barley is tender and mixture is thickened.
Stir in mixed dried fruit and vanilla extract. Simmer for 5 minutes until fruit is softened and plump.
Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
Serve warm, plain or with toppings of choice.

Notes

Best served warm. You can vary the dried fruits according to taste. Whole milk creates a creamier texture, but plant-based alternatives work too.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Hutterite

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 230
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg