Can you soak pearl barley instead of cooking it?

[1984isnow]

I like barley porridge, but it takes ages to boil it so it puffs up. If I soaked it (overnight?) in loads of water, would this be enough to then just cook in milk the next day? Or does the water need to be hot?

ive looked and googled and sorry op i keep getting it needs either both or just cooking.i think the cooking is a must.unless someone can come along and say they have done it differently with success.
i think soaking it can lessen the cooking time though?

I cover it in boiling water and microwave it for a bit. Drain then add to whatever I'm making. It substantially reduced the cooking time.

Could you cook lots then freeze?

I microwave it, but still takes a while. Yummy though

kate yep when google gives lots of maybes instead of a yes/no I'm straight to MN😊

Thanks all, was trying to find a way of just being able to chuck it in a pan of milk and heat up.

How long do you tend to microwave it for?

Never thought of freezing it. When its cooked, I blend it slightly so it goes really creamy, like rice pudding (really faffy but worth it), so freezing might atleast make that step easier!