When the summer heat becomes unbearable, your body needs more than just plain water to stay cool and hydrated. That is exactly where this simple, traditional barley water recipe comes in! Known as Yavam Kanji in Tamil, Malayalam and Jau ka Paani in Hindi, barley water has been a part of Indian households for generations — and for very good reason.
I have always believed that the best remedies are the ones our grandmothers already knew. Barley water is one of them. This cooling beverage is not just refreshing — it is a powerful health drink recommended by doctors for kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and water retention. It is also one of the best summer cooling drinks you can make at home in under 30 minutes.
What makes this homemade barley water special is how incredibly simple it is. Just two main ingredients — pearl barley and water — and you have a drink that hydrates, detoxifies, and nourishes your body from within and as a bonus it aids in weightloss. You can flavor it with lemon juice and a touch of honey or jaggery .
Unlike store-bought barley water that is loaded with preservatives and added sugar, making it fresh at home means you control every ingredient. It is naturally vegan, gluten-containing (not suitable for celiac patients), and can be customized to your taste.
Whether you are looking for a weight loss drink, a natural remedy for UTI, or simply a healthy summer beverage for the whole family— this barley water recipe checks every box. I make a fresh batch every morning during summer and it keeps my family cool and energized throughout the day.
Recipe Details
Recipe Name:Barley Water | Yavam Kanji | Jau ka Paani
Cuisine:Indian | South Indian | Traditional
Course: Beverage | Summer Drink | Health Drink
Diet:Vegan | Vegetarian
Difficulty Level: Very Easy
Preparation Time:5 minutes (+ overnight or atleast 2 hours soaking)
Cooking Time:25-30 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 3-4 glasses
Best Served: Chilled or at room temperature
Equipment: Saucepan or pressure cooker, strainer
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Ingredients
Pearl Barley(Yavam or Vaar gothumai)-1/2 cup
Water-4-5 cups
Salt as required
Lemon juice as required
Recipe Video
Method
●Wash and soak the pearl barley overnight or minimal of 2-3 hours.
●Next day drain the soaked water wash once and transfer to pressure cooker.
●Strain the barley water and reserve the cooked barley to be used in salads chaat etc.
●Add required salt and lemon juice to the barley water mix well.Cool and drink when required.
Tips For Perfect Barley Water
🌿 Choose pearl barley for this recipe — it cooks faster and gives a clearer, lighter drink compared to hulled barley.
🌿 Soak for atleast 2 hours before cooking — it reduces cooking time and makes the drink more nutritious.
🌿 Do not discard the cooked barley — use it in salads, chaat, khichdi, or idli batter. Watch my next recipe to see how!
🌿 For kidney stones or UTI— drink it plain at room temperature without any sweetener. Consult your doctor for specific dosage.
🌿 For children— add a small piece of rock sugar or a teaspoon of palm jaggery for natural sweetness.
🌿 For weight loss— drink one glass on an empty stomach every morning. Avoid adding sugar.
🌿 Storage — store in a clean glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Always cool completely before refrigerating.
🌿 Flavor variations — add fresh mint leaves, ginger slices, or a stick of cinnamon while boiling for extra flavor.
🌿 Gluten note — barley contains gluten. If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, please avoid this drink.
FAQS
1. What is barley water good for?
Barley water is excellent for kidney health, UTI relief, summer cooling, weight loss, digestion, and controlling blood sugar levels. As a nutritionist I recommend drinking one glass daily during summer for general health and hydration.
2. Can I drink barley water every day?
Yes, one glass per day is safe and beneficial for most people. Do not exceed two glasses per day. If you have any medical condition, please consult your doctor before making it a daily habit.
3. What is barley called in Tamil?
Barley is called Yavam (யவம்) or Vaar gothumai in Tamil. Pearl barley is the most commonly available variety in Indian grocery stores and on Amazon.
4. Can I make barley water in a pressure cooker?
Absolutely! Add soaked barley and water to your pressure cooker, cook for 3-4 whistles, let pressure release, then strain. This is the quickest method and what I use most often.
5. Is barley water good for weight loss?
Yes! Barley is rich in fibre which keeps you full for longer and reduces hunger cravings. Drinking plain barley water without sweetener on an empty stomach in the morning can support weight loss as part of a healthy diet.
6. Can kids drink barley water?
Yes, barley water is safe and nutritious for children above one year. Add a small amount of rock sugar or honey (not for babies under one year) for palatability.
7. What to do with leftover cooked barley?
Do not throw it away! Use it to make a refreshing South Indian barley salad — I am sharing that recipe next week. Subscribe so you do not miss it!
This simple barley water recipe is proof that the best health drinks do not need fancy ingredients or complicated methods. Just pearl barley, water, and a little patience — and you have a cooling, healing summer drink that your whole family will love.
As a nutritionist I always say — go back to what your grandmother knew. These traditional drinks have stood the test of time because they genuinely work. Barley water is not a trend — it is wisdom.
I hope you try this recipe this summer and feel the difference! If you make it, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. I would love to hear from you!
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- 📖 Check out my next recipe —Barley Salad/ chaat— coming next week!