Hearty Split Pea and Barley Comfort Stew
Warm up with this Hearty Split Pea and Barley Comfort Stew, a nourishing meal that brings together the wholesome goodness of split peas and pearl barley. This recipe, adapted from hillbillyhousewife.com, is not only simple to prepare but is also incredibly budget-friendly and satisfying. Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and a delightful tomato base, this stew creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for chilly evenings, serve it alongside a fresh green salad and a loaf of crusty garlic bread for a truly comforting dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil
1 (tablespoon)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Celery
3 (stalks, sliced)
Carrots
4 (chopped)
Split Peas
1 (cup)
Pearl Barley
1/2 (cup)
Canned Tomatoes
400 (grams)
Tomato Puree or Ketchup
1/2 (cup)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes fragrant and translucent.
2
Stir in the sliced celery and chopped carrots, continuing to sauté until the vegetables soften and release their aromatic flavors, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Once the vegetables are softened, add the split peas and pearl barley to the pot, stirring well to combine. Pour in 8 cups of water, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the split peas and barley start to become tender.
4
After 40 minutes, carefully add the canned tomatoes and tomato puree (or ketchup) to the pot. Stir the mixture well to fully integrate everything, then allow it to simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the stew, and if it appears to be drying out, add a cup of water as needed.
5
Before serving, taste the stew and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Split Pea and Barley Comfort Stew?
It is a nourishing, budget-friendly meal that combines split peas, pearl barley, and vegetables in a savory tomato base.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this stew is vegetarian as it uses only plant-based ingredients and water as the base liquid.
Is this stew vegan?
Yes, all the listed ingredients, including vegetable oil and pearl barley, are vegan-friendly.
What are the primary ingredients in this stew?
The main ingredients are vegetable oil, onion, celery, carrots, split peas, pearl barley, canned tomatoes, and tomato puree or ketchup.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
The stew simmers in two stages: first for 40 minutes with the peas and barley, and then for an additional 20-30 minutes after adding the tomatoes.
Can I use ketchup instead of tomato puree?
Yes, the recipe suggests either tomato puree or ketchup can be used to add flavor and depth to the tomato base.
How much water is required for this recipe?
You begin with 8 cups of water and may add more by the cup if the stew appears to be drying out.
Do I need to soak the split peas or barley?
No, the instructions indicate adding them directly to the pot to simmer for 40 minutes until tender.
What type of barley should be used?
This recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of pearl barley.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it is designed to be an economical meal using affordable staples like dried peas, barley, and root vegetables.
What should I serve with this stew?
It is ideally served with a fresh green salad and a loaf of crusty garlic bread.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 chopped carrots.
How do I prepare the celery?
You should use 3 stalks of celery, sliced.
Is this stew gluten-free?
No, pearl barley contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you would need to substitute the barley with a gluten-free grain like rice.
How do I start the cooking process?
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large pot and sautéing the chopped onion until fragrant and translucent.
What seasonings are used in this dish?
The recipe uses salt and pepper, added at the end to suit your personal preference.
What size can of tomatoes is required?
The recipe specifies a 400-gram can of tomatoes.
What is the total approximate cooking time?
The total cooking time is approximately 70 to 80 minutes, including sautéing and two stages of simmering.
Can I add more vegetables to the stew?
Yes, this is a versatile stew; you could add potatoes, parsnips, or leafy greens if desired.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is high in fiber and nutrients from the vegetables, split peas, and whole-grain barley.
How do I know when the stew is finished?
The stew is ready when the split peas and barley are tender and the flavors have fully integrated after the final simmer.
What can I do if the stew gets too thick?
If the stew is drying out or too thick, simply stir in an extra cup of water as needed.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, this stew stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days.
Does this stew freeze well?
Yes, split pea and barley stews typically freeze very well for up to three months.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, any cooking oil can be used to sauté the base vegetables.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe was adapted from hillbillyhousewife.com.
How many split peas are in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of split peas.
Should the vegetables be sautéed before adding water?
Yes, sauté the onion, celery, and carrots first to release their aromatic flavors.
Is the stew spicy?
No, it is a mild, savory comfort stew, though you can add spices like red pepper flakes if you prefer heat.
What is the texture of the stew?
It has a hearty, thick texture due to the starch released by the split peas and the chewiness of the pearl barley.