Hearty Barley Stew

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) barley 1 cup (200g) barley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 8g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the barley under cold water and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Add the red bell pepper and zucchini to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
5. 5.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. 6.
   Add the rinsed barley to the pot and continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
7. 7.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Barley — Rinse the barley thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.
• Smoked paprika — Use a good quality smoked paprika to enhance the flavor of the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a heartier stew, you can add diced potatoes along with the other vegetables.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Serve the stew with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors develop even more.

Serving advice

Serve the Hearty Barley Stew in bowls, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve it in rustic bowls to enhance the cozy and comforting feel.