Hearty Barley, Mushroom, and Kale Delight
Warm up with this nutritious and flavorful Hearty Barley, Mushroom, and Kale Delight. Packed with fiber-rich barley, earthy cremini mushrooms, and vibrant kale, this stew is not only comforting but also a wonderful way to incorporate more greens into your diet. Each serving is brimming with wholesome ingredients and topped with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese, making it a perfect dish for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy this healthy stew as a filling meal on its own or pair it with crusty bread for a heartier feast!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
onions
2 cups (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
cremini mushrooms
12 ounces (trimmed and sliced)
fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon (minced)
diced tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (with juice)
pearl barley
1 cup (none)
chicken broth
5 cups (none)
kale
8 cups (chopped)
parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 6-8 minutes, or until they begin to soften and turn translucent.
2
Stir in the minced garlic, sliced cremini mushrooms, and minced fresh rosemary. Cook for an additional 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
3
Add the can of diced tomatoes with their juice to the pot, and cook for about 1 minute while stirring to combine all the flavors.
4
Next, stir in the pearl barley and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and cooked through.
5
After the barley is ready, fold in the chopped kale. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the kale is wilted and tender.
6
Serve the stew hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Barley, Mushroom, and Kale Delight?
It is a nutritious and flavorful stew packed with fiber-rich pearl barley, earthy cremini mushrooms, and vibrant kale, finished with parmesan cheese.
How long does it take to cook the barley in this recipe?
The pearl barley needs to simmer for approximately 45 minutes, or until it is tender and cooked through.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, although the recipe calls for chicken broth, you can easily substitute it with vegetable broth to make the dish completely vegetarian.
What type of mushrooms are best for this stew?
The recipe specifically calls for 12 ounces of trimmed and sliced cremini mushrooms for their earthy flavor.
When should I add the kale to the pot?
Add the chopped kale after the barley is fully cooked, then simmer for an additional 5-6 minutes until wilted.
Is this barley stew healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, fiber-rich meal that is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet.
What kind of barley is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 cup of pearl barley.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
While fresh rosemary provides the best flavor, you can substitute it with about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary if fresh is unavailable.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
No, you should add the 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes along with their juice to the pot.
How do I garnish this dish?
The stew is best served hot with a garnish of 1/3 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of chopped onions, which is typically about two medium-sized onions.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the parmesan cheese or use a nutritional yeast substitute.
What is the first step in cooking the stew?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large saucepan and sauté the chopped onions for 6-8 minutes until soft.
Does the recipe require a lot of garlic?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves, which adds a savory depth to the mushroom and barley base.
How much kale should I buy?
You will need approximately 8 cups of chopped kale for this recipe.
Can I use white mushrooms instead of cremini?
Yes, white button mushrooms can be used, though cremini mushrooms offer a slightly deeper, earthier flavor.
What can I serve with this barley delight?
It is a filling meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for a heartier feast.
How much broth is required?
The recipe calls for 5 cups of chicken broth to cook the barley and create the stew base.
Is this a slow cooker recipe?
While it is tagged as slow cooked, the instructions describe a stovetop method using a large saucepan.
Can I use pre-sliced mushrooms?
Yes, using pre-sliced mushrooms can save time during the preparation phase.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, the recipe contains no added sugar, relying on the natural sweetness of the onions and tomatoes.
How long should I sauté the mushrooms?
Sauté the mushrooms with the garlic and rosemary for about 6-7 minutes until they are browned and tender.
Is pearl barley gluten-free?
No, barley contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, you might consider using brown rice, though cooking times will vary.
Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Yes, spinach can be used, but since it wilts much faster than kale, you should only cook it for 1-2 minutes at the very end.
How much olive oil do I need?
You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the vegetables.
Is the dish served hot or cold?
This dish is best served hot, immediately after the kale has wilted and the cheese is added.
Does this recipe contain many ingredients?
The recipe has a total of 10 primary ingredients, making it relatively simple to shop for.
Can I store the leftovers?
Yes, this stew stores well in the refrigerator and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
How do I know the barley is cooked?
The barley is done when it is tender to the bite but still has a slightly chewy, pleasant texture.
What kind of pot should I use?
A large saucepan or a Dutch oven is recommended to accommodate the volume of broth and kale.