Lemon grass barley drink ~ 香茅大麦茶

Barley, like other cereal or whole grains have various health benefits and being a dietary fiber it contains protein, is a good source of magnesium, vitamin B-6 and iron.  It  helps in weight loss and controls blood sugar.  So much has been said about barley, what about lemon grass?  Lemon grass, a  fragrant herb has anti-fungal and anti-microbial qualities while exuding a distinct lemony smell.  Among many of its health benefits, it helps lower cholesterol and detoxifies the body.  I once had this drink in a Balinese restaurant and it's superb when served chilled!

Lemon grass barley drink ~ 香茅大麦茶 
Ingredients

• 2 lt water
• 100 gm barley pearls
• 4 pandan/screwpine leaves, knotted
• 3 stalks of lemon grass, smashed
• Rock sugar, cane sugar to taste (personal preference)

Method

1. Boil water in a pot, add in pandan leaves and lemon grass.  Then add in the washed barley pearls and boil on medium heat for about an hour.
2. When the barley pearls turn mushy, add in  sugar to taste.  (I used brown sugar in pieces ~ 冰片糖).
3. Simmer for another 10 mins. Discard the pandan leaves and lemon grass.
4. Serve warm or chilled.