Barley Vegetarian Sausage Recipes for Delicious Meals

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Are you looking to add a wholesome, flavorful twist to your vegetarian meals? Barley vegetarian sausage recipes offer an incredible way to enjoy the hearty texture and nutty flavor of barley combined with savory spices and vegetables, all wrapped into delicious sausage shapes.

These sausages are not only satisfying but also packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making them a fantastic option for anyone seeking plant-based protein alternatives.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply want to impress your guests with a unique dish, barley vegetarian sausages are versatile and easy to make from scratch.

Unlike store-bought versions, these homemade sausages let you control the ingredients, avoid preservatives, and customize flavors to suit your palate. Plus, they freeze beautifully for quick meals later on!

In this post, you’ll find several delicious barley vegetarian sausage recipes, complete with tips, nutritional information, and serving ideas. Dive in and discover your next favorite meatless treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Barley vegetarian sausages stand out for their delightful chewiness and rich flavor, making them a perfect alternative to traditional meat sausages. Barley’s natural nuttiness pairs wonderfully with herbs and spices, creating a filling and nutritious meal component.

These recipes are incredibly adaptable; you can tweak the seasoning or add your favorite vegetables and legumes to personalize the taste. They’re also budget-friendly, using pantry staples like barley, beans, and vegetables, which means you can whip up a batch without breaking the bank.

Most importantly, these sausages are a hit with vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters alike, proving that plant-based dishes can be indulgent and satisfying. Plus, they’re a great gateway recipe if you’re just starting to explore vegetarian cooking.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas or white beans, mashed
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 9 tablespoons water (flax egg)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Food processor or blender (optional, for smoother texture)
  • Grater (for carrot)
  • Frying pan or skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet (optional, for baking instead of frying)
  • Parchment paper (if baking)

Instructions

  1. Cook the barley: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed barley with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water and let it cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, mushrooms, and grated carrot. Cook until vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked barley, mashed chickpeas, sautéed vegetables, rolled oats, tomato paste, soy sauce, and flax egg. Add smoked paprika, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly. If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the mixture a few times in a food processor.
  5. Shape the sausages: With wet hands, form the mixture into sausage shapes, about 3 inches long and 1 inch thick. This recipe should make about 8-10 sausages.
  6. Cook the sausages: Option 1 – Pan-fry: Heat remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the sausages for 4-5 minutes each side until golden and crispy. Option 2 – Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place sausages on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.
  7. Serve warm with your favorite sides or sauces.

Tips & Variations

“To get the best texture, make sure your barley is well-cooked but not mushy. Slightly undercooked barley gives a nice bite to your sausages.”

  • Try using different beans like black beans or lentils for varied flavor and nutrition.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a bright, fresh note.
  • For a spicy kick, mix in some chili flakes or chipotle powder.
  • Use gluten-free oats if you need a gluten-free option.
  • Freeze any leftover uncooked sausages on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag for easy future meals.
  • For a smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked salt.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 sausage)
Calories 110 kcal
Protein 5 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Fat 3 g
Saturated Fat 0.4 g
Sodium 230 mg

Serving Suggestions

Barley vegetarian sausages are incredibly versatile and pair well with many dishes. Serve them alongside sautéed greens and roasted potatoes for a comforting dinner.

They also make excellent sandwich fillings—try them in a bun with mustard, sauerkraut, and pickles for a vegetarian twist on the classic sausage sandwich.

For a brunch treat, slice them up and add to a skillet with scrambled eggs or tofu scramble. Don’t forget to check out our Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe to create fresh buns at home!

If you love experimenting with baked goods and sweets to complement your meal, you might enjoy our Glazed Twist Donut Recipe or the comforting Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe.

Barley Vegetarian Sausage Recipes: 3 Variations to Try

Mediterranean Barley Sausages

  • Add 1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives to the base mixture.
  • Replace thyme with oregano and add 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
  • Serve with a side of tzatziki or hummus and pita bread.

Indian-Spiced Barley Sausages

  • Mix in 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander.
  • Add 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro to the mixture.
  • Serve with mango chutney and basmati rice or naan.

Smoky BBQ Barley Sausages

  • Add 1 tablespoon smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon chili powder to the seasoning mix.
  • Stir in 2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce.
  • Serve on a bun with coleslaw and pickled jalapeños for a smoky, tangy flavor.

Conclusion

Barley vegetarian sausages are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy plant-based eating without sacrificing flavor or texture. With simple pantry ingredients and easy steps, you can create a versatile dish that suits a variety of cuisines and tastes.

Whether you prefer them pan-fried for a crispy exterior or baked for a hands-off approach, these sausages will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Experiment with the suggested variations to keep your meals exciting and tailored to your preferences. Don’t forget to explore other wonderful recipes on our site to complement your barley sausages, such as the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for a spicy side or the comforting Half Runner Beans Recipe.

Happy cooking and bon appétit!

📖 Recipe Card: Barley Vegetarian Sausage

Description: A tasty and healthy vegetarian sausage made with barley and spices. Perfect for a protein-packed meal or snack.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 6 sausages

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked mushrooms, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook barley in boiling water for 25 minutes, drain and cool.
  2. In a pan, sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until soft.
  3. In a large bowl, combine barley, sautéed vegetables, grated carrot, oats, soy sauce, tomato paste, and spices.
  4. Mix well until the mixture holds together.
  5. Shape mixture into 6 sausage forms.
  6. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  7. Cook sausages for 5 minutes on each side until browned and firm.
  8. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Marta K

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