Beef and Barley Stew
Warm up your bodies and souls with this hearty Beef and Barley Stew! Perfect for cozy nights in, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of stew meat
- 1 cup of barley
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups of beef broth
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the stew meat over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, garlic, barley, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until beef is tender and barley is cooked through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Popular questions:
- Question: Can I use other types of meat instead of stew meat?
- Question: Can I use pearl barley instead of regular barley?
- Question: Can I freeze this stew?
Answer: Yes, you can use beef chuck or even chicken as a substitute for stew meat.
Answer: Yes, pearl barley can be used, but it may cook faster, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
Answer: Yes, this stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Helpful tips:
- For added flavor, consider browning the meat in batches for a deeper color and taste.
- Add a splash of red wine while simmering for a rich flavor profile.
- Try adding diced potatoes or parsnips for extra heartiness.
Expert Secrets:
- Cook the barley separately and add it to the stew towards the end to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- For a thicker stew, mix flour with a little water and stir it into the stew towards the end of cooking.
- Season the stew to taste with Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for added depth of flavor.