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    Home » Recipes » Soups and Salads

    Published: Jan 28, 2016 · Modified: Feb 9, 2016 by Bridget · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

    Beef Barley Stew

    There's something about cooking soups and stews that impresses me every time  . . .

    Hearty beef barley stew with mushrooms and spinach. Easy comfort food! | The Recipe Wench

    And this beef barley stew is no exception.

    I think it's the way a few simple ingredients pull together to create a delicious, soul-warming meal.

    Hearty beef barley stew with mushrooms and spinach. Easy comfort food! | The Recipe Wench

    I've mentioned this children's book in another post but it's worth bringing up again --

    Stone Soup

    Do you know the story?

    Originally written by Robert Moser in the early 1800's, the tale has many variations.

    The version I recall from my childhood involved a clever, weary traveler who convinced villagers to contribute various ingredients to assist his "magic" stone.

    From a pot of warm water to vegetables to meat, everyone contributed a bit in hopes of witnessing the "magic" of the stone.

    The result was a delicious soup which was enjoyed by the traveler and villagers.

    As you make beef barley stew, you'll come to understand "kitchen wizardry."

    Below is a recipe, but think of it more as a guide.

    Feel free to add celery, potatoes, tomatoes -- whatever you have on hand.  You may need to increase the liquid a bit if adding items that tend to absorb liquid -- like potatoes.

    In our house, we have varied opinions about spinach.

    To keep everyone happy, I serve this stew with spinach on the side and a bit of balsamic vinegar on the table for everyone to drizzle over the top before eating.

    IF you have leftovers, you may find you need to add a bit more liquid (beef broth or water) when you reheat.

    Enjoy! - The Recipe Wench

    Beef Barley Stew

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    Beef Barley Stew
    Serves 6
    Prep time 10 minutes
    Cook time 1 hour
    Total time 1 hours, 10 minutes
    Meal type Soup
    Beef barley stew with mushrooms and spinach is comfort food at its finest. Super easy to make -- takes about 45 minutes for the barley to get tender. The spinach is a refreshing addition. Drizzle with balsamic for a nice burst of flavor!

    Ingredients

    • 1 Pound flank steak (trimmed of excess fat and cut into bite-sized cubes)
    • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 Medium onion (finely chopped)
    • 2 Cloves garlic (minced)
    • 2 Cups sliced mushrooms
    • 2 Cups sliced carrots
    • 4 Cups beef broth
    • 1-2 Cups water
    • 1 Cup pearl barley
    • 2 bay leaves
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • 3 Cups fresh spinach, chopped
    • balsamic vinegar (to drizzle on top just prior to serving)

    Note

    I prefer to use flank steak when I make beef barley stew, but you could also use beef chuck cut into bite-sized cubes.

    Directions

    Step 1
    In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat.
    Quickly brown steak -- this will take a couple minutes.
    Add onions, garlic, mushrooms and carrots.
    Saute until onions are tender (about 4 minutes).
    Add beef broth, water, barley and bay leaves.
    Bring to a boil then reduce heat and allow to simmer until barley is tender (about 45 minutes).
    Remove bay leaves and discard.
    Step 2
    Either stir spinach into stew just before serving or allow everyone to add to their own bowl at the table.
    Ladle into bowls and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

    Hearty beef barley stew with mushrooms and spinach. Easy comfort food! | The Recipe Wench

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ramona W says

      January 29, 2016 at 8:04 pm

      I realize that I don't eat enough barley in my life... this recipe is making want to run out and get some to make this stew! :)
      Reply
      • Bridget says

        January 30, 2016 at 8:46 am

        You definitely should!
        Reply
    2. swayam says

      January 29, 2016 at 6:24 pm

      this looks so comforting!!
      Reply
      • Bridget says

        January 30, 2016 at 8:47 am

        Thanks - And it really is easy too! A win-win!
        Reply
    3. Claudia | Gourmet Project says

      January 29, 2016 at 9:57 am

      stewsa re one of my comfort foods. Thanks for this wonderful recipe!
      Reply
      • Bridget says

        January 29, 2016 at 10:45 am

        You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it!
        Reply
    4. Brian Jones says

      January 29, 2016 at 9:51 am

      How wonderful, I love using pearl barley in soups and stews it adds a heartiness and makes it stretch further with a great flavour that sucks up all the goodneess from the stew or soup.
      Reply
      • Bridget says

        January 29, 2016 at 10:45 am

        I couldn't have said it better myself!
        Reply
    5. Kavey says

      January 29, 2016 at 7:41 am

      I love a good beef stew and barley is such a great addition. Your beef looks so tender here!
      Reply
      • Bridget says

        January 29, 2016 at 10:44 am

        I love barley too! And, yes, the flank steak is nice and tender in this stew.
        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Bridget! So glad you're here! I'm a former legal secretary, now wife, mother, grandmother and full-time blogger. My husband Jeff and I live in Colorado with our doggies. My favorite things are family, doggies, gardening and cooking!.

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