Savory Crock-Pot Barley Vegetable Medley
This Savory Crock-Pot Barley Vegetable Medley is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or meal prep on Sundays. Packed with wholesome ingredients like pearl barley, fresh vegetables, and toasted pine nuts, this hearty dish is both nutritious and filling. The combination of vibrant red bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic garlic makes for a delightful flavor explosion that both vegetarians and meat-lovers will enjoy. Serve it as a stand-alone main course or as a satisfying side dish for your favorite entrees. With minimal effort and a slow cooker doing the work, you can savor a delicious meal with friends and family.
4
Servings
105
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pearl Barley
1 cup (uncooked)
V-8 Juice
1/2 cup (none)
White Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Garlic
3 cloves (minced)
Red Bell Pepper
1 (chopped)
Mushrooms
1 cup (chopped)
Vegetable Broth
2 1/2 cups (none)
Toasted Pine Nuts
1/3 cup (toasted)
Instructions
1
In a 3-4 quart slow cooker, combine the uncooked pearl barley, V-8 juice, white pepper, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, chopped mushrooms, and vegetable broth.
2
Stir the mixture gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
3
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or until the barley has softened and the vegetables are tender.
4
Once cooked, stir the casserole again before serving to mix any settled ingredients.
5
Before serving, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for added flavor and crunch.
6
Enjoy your warm and hearty barley vegetable medley!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
16.25g
Carbs
3g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Crock-Pot Barley Vegetable Medley?
It is a hearty, nutritious slow-cooker dish featuring pearl barley, fresh vegetables like red bell peppers and mushrooms, and toasted pine nuts.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, the Savory Crock-Pot Barley Vegetable Medley is entirely vegetarian.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 105 calories.
How long should I cook the barley medley in the slow cooker?
Cook the mixture on low heat for 6 to 8 hours until the barley and vegetables are tender.
What size slow cooker is recommended for this recipe?
A 3-4 quart slow cooker is the ideal size for these ingredient quantities.
Do I need to cook the barley before putting it in the crock-pot?
No, you should use 1 cup of uncooked pearl barley.
What is the purpose of adding V-8 juice?
V-8 juice adds a savory depth of flavor and additional nutrients to the cooking liquid.
How much fat is in a serving of this dish?
There are 4 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 16.25 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This barley medley provides 3 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Each serving contains 2.5 grams of fiber, contributing to a healthy diet.
Can I use white pepper in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground white pepper for seasoning.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 cloves of minced garlic.
What vegetables are included in the medley?
The dish includes onion, red bell pepper, and mushrooms.
When should I add the pine nuts?
Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top of the dish just before serving for extra crunch.
How much vegetable broth is used?
You will need 2 1/2 cups of vegetable broth.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged for meal prep and is perfect for making ahead on Sundays.
Is the dish considered comfort food?
Yes, its warm and hearty nature makes it a great healthy comfort food option.
Do I need to stir the recipe while it cooks?
You only need to stir it gently at the beginning and once more before serving.
Can I serve this as a side dish?
Yes, it works beautifully as both a stand-alone main course or a satisfying side dish.
What type of barley is recommended?
The recipe specifically uses pearl barley.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
The mushrooms should be chopped before being added to the slow cooker.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
No, the recipe does not contain any cholesterol.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates no significant sugar content.
How much onion is required?
You will need one chopped onion.
Is it okay to cook this on high heat?
The instructions recommend low heat for 6-8 hours to ensure the barley softens correctly without burning.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While designed as a vegetable medley, meat-lovers can add meat if they prefer, though it will change the nutritional profile.
What is the preparation for the pine nuts?
The pine nuts should be toasted before being sprinkled on the finished dish.