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As the seasons change and the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty stew to comfort the soul. Enter the Hearty Barley Vegetable Stew—a nourishing dish packed with wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors that not only warms you up but also delights your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a filling and nutritious meal that is both vegetarian and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Hearty Barley Vegetable Stew

Warm up your evenings with a comforting bowl of Hearty Barley Vegetable Stew! This nourishing recipe combines the chewy goodness of pearl barley with a vibrant mix of seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfect for any diet, it's easily adaptable—make it gluten-free or add legumes for protein. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this satisfying stew, packed with nutrients and flavors that will delight your taste buds and warm your soul. Discover the joy of cooking and share this wholesome dish with family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup pearl barley

4 cups vegetable broth

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped

Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Barley: Rinse the pearl barley under cold water. In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil, adding the rinsed barley. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 30 minutes, or until barley is tender. Stir occasionally.

    Sauté the Vegetables: While the barley is cooking, in a separate large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

      Add the Root Vegetables: Toss in the diced carrots and celery, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help to build a hearty base flavor.

        Incorporate Remaining Vegetables: Add the chopped bell pepper, diced zucchini, and green beans to the sautéed onion mixture. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with juice) and add dried thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture cook for about 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.

          Combine Stew Ingredients: Once the barley is cooked, add it to the vegetable mixture in the saucepan. Stir everything together and adjust the seasoning to taste. If the stew is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water until desired consistency is reached.

            Add Greens: Stir in the fresh spinach or kale, letting it wilt down for about 3 minutes. This adds nutrient richness to your stew.

              Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hearty barley vegetable stew into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of flavor and color. Enjoy your warm, nourishing bowl of stew!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | 6 servings