Hearty Lentil and Barley Rustic Stew
This Hearty Lentil and Barley Rustic Stew is a wholesome and satisfying dish that captures the essence of comfort food. Adapted from the beloved More with Less Cookbook, this stew is packed with nutrition thanks to its rich combination of lentils, barley, and a medley of vegetables. The addition of crushed red pepper flakes provides a delightful kick, perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals. This stew makes for a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with family and friends, filling you up with its rich flavors and textures.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2-4 tablespoons (melted)
celery
3/4 cup (chopped)
onion
3/4 cup (chopped)
garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
water (or stock)
6 cups (as needed)
lentils
3/4 cup (rinsed)
canned crushed tomatoes
28 ounces (not drained)
carrot
1/2 cup (shredded)
barley
3/4 cup (uncooked)
salt
to taste (as needed)
pepper
to taste (as needed)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (dried)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large pot or 5-quart Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped celery, onion, and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Pour in the water or stock and add the lentils. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the lentils to soften.
5
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, shredded carrots, barley, and the seasonings: salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
6
Cover the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 45-60 minutes, or until the barley and lentils are tender. Stir occasionally and add more stock or water as needed to maintain your desired consistency.
7
Once ready, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Lentil and Barley Rustic Stew?
It is a wholesome and satisfying comfort food dish featuring a rich combination of lentils, barley, and a medley of vegetables.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from the beloved More with Less Cookbook.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients used in this stew.
What type of fat is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe calls for 2-4 tablespoons of butter.
Which vegetables are sautéed at the beginning?
Celery, onion, and minced garlic are sautéed first.
How long should the vegetables sauté?
They should be sautéed for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
What is the liquid base for the stew?
You can use 6 cups of either water or stock.
How should the lentils be prepared before cooking?
The lentils should be rinsed before being added to the pot.
How much lentils are required?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of rinsed lentils.
How long is the initial simmer for the lentils?
The lentils should simmer for 20 minutes after the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 28 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes.
Should I drain the canned crushed tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes should not be drained.
How are the carrots prepared?
The carrots should be shredded, totaling 1/2 cup.
How much barley is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of uncooked barley.
What seasonings provide flavor to the stew?
The stew is seasoned with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
How much Italian seasoning is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning.
Is this stew spicy?
It can have a delightful kick depending on the amount of crushed red pepper flakes added, ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon.
What is the total time for the final simmer?
The final simmer takes an additional 45-60 minutes until the barley and lentils are tender.
What size pot is recommended for this recipe?
A large pot or a 5-quart Dutch oven is recommended.
What should I do if the stew gets too thick?
You can add more stock or water as needed to maintain your desired consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetarian recipe.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The specific serving count is not provided, but it uses a 5-quart Dutch oven.
How should the stew be served?
It should be served hot after tasting and adjusting the seasoning if necessary.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish has a rich texture thanks to the combination of tender lentils and barley.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
How much celery and onion are needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of chopped celery and 3/4 cup of chopped onion.
Is the barley cooked before adding it to the pot?
No, the barley is added uncooked.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include stew, lentils, barley, vegetarian, hearty, comfort food, soup, healthy, and easy recipe.
When do I add the shredded carrots?
Shredded carrots are added after the lentils have simmered for the first 20 minutes.
Should I stir the stew while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir the stew occasionally while it simmers for the final 45-60 minutes.