Smoky Bean and Barley Delight
Experience the heartiness of Smoky Bean and Barley Delight, a comforting one-dish meal perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. This nutritious stew combines pinto beans, pearl barley, and an array of vegetables, all simmered to perfection with the rich flavor of smoked pork neck. Ideal for chilly evenings, this dish provides a wholesome balance of protein and fiber while being naturally gluten-free. Share it with friends or enjoy it as leftovers—the flavors get even better! Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dry pinto beans
450 g (Soaked overnight, drained, and rinsed)
Pearl barley
150 g (Soaked overnight, drained, and cooked al dente)
Sunflower oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Onions
2 (Chopped (about 250 g))
Garlic cloves
4 (Minced)
Smoked pork necks
300 g (Diced)
Carrot
1 (Peeled and diced (150 g))
Celery root
100 g (Peeled and diced)
Parsley root
100 g (Peeled and diced)
Red horn pepper
1 (Cut into chunks)
Dried bay leaf
1 (For flavoring)
Celery leaf
1 (For flavoring)
Water
1500 ml (For cooking)
Sea salt
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the dry pinto beans in plenty of water overnight. This will help them soften and cook evenly. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.
2
In a separate bowl, soak the pearl barley in water overnight as well. When ready, drain the barley and cook it in a double amount of water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent.
4
Add the diced smoked pork neck to the pot, stirring well to combine. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes until the meat is slightly browned.
5
While the pork is cooking, prepare the mirepoix by cutting the carrot, celery root, and parsley root into smaller pieces. Use a blender to coarsely chop the root vegetables, then mix in the red horn pepper chunks, pulsing a few times to combine.
6
Add the prepared mirepoix to the pot with the onions and pork. Stir well and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Incorporate the soaked beans into the pot, along with the bay leaf, celery leaf, water, and sea salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the beans are tender.
8
Once the beans are cooked, stir in the cooked barley and let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes. Check for doneness and ensure the beans are al dente.
9
Finally, season the stew with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Bean and Barley Delight?
It is a heartiness-filled, comforting one-dish stew that combines pinto beans, pearl barley, and vegetables with smoked pork neck.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires a total of 15 ingredients.
What is the first step in preparing the pinto beans?
The dry pinto beans must be soaked in plenty of water overnight before being drained and rinsed.
How should the pearl barley be prepared?
Pearl barley should be soaked overnight, then cooked in a double amount of water until al dente before being added to the stew.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe calls for two tablespoons of sunflower oil.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
What kind of meat provides the smoky flavor in this dish?
The rich flavor comes from 300 grams of diced smoked pork neck.
How is the mirepoix prepared?
Cut the carrot, celery root, and parsley root into pieces, then use a blender to coarsely chop them with the red horn pepper chunks.
When should the smoked pork neck be added to the pot?
Add the diced pork neck after the onions and garlic have been sautéed for 5 minutes.
How long does the stew simmer after adding the beans?
The mixture should simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the beans are tender.
When is the cooked pearl barley added to the stew?
The pearl barley is stirred in once the beans are fully cooked, and then simmered for an additional 5 minutes.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The stew is seasoned with sea salt, dried bay leaf, celery leaf, and freshly ground black pepper.
Is Smoky Bean and Barley Delight high in fiber?
Yes, this nutritious stew provides a wholesome balance of fiber and protein.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as perfect for meal prep as the flavors improve over time.
What is the recommended serving size or quantity of pinto beans?
The recipe uses 450 grams of dry pinto beans.
Which vegetables make up the root vegetable base?
The base consists of 150 grams of carrot, 100 grams of celery root, and 100 grams of parsley root.
What type of pepper is included in the recipe?
One red horn pepper, cut into chunks, is used in the mirepoix.
How much water is needed for the main cooking process?
You will need 1500 ml of water for cooking the stew.
Should the stew be served hot or cold?
The recipe recommends serving the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Does the recipe mention any specific dietary benefits?
The description mentions it is naturally gluten-free and provides a balance of protein and fiber.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A large pot or a Dutch oven is ideal for preparing this one-dish meal.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires two onions, which is approximately 250 grams.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for four minced garlic cloves.
What is the texture of the beans when done?
The beans should be tender and al dente.
How long should the mirepoix cook with the pork?
Cook the mirepoix with the onions and pork for another 1 to 2 minutes to meld flavors.
What is the amount of sea salt recommended?
The recipe suggests using one teaspoon of sea salt for seasoning.
How much pearl barley is required?
The recipe uses 150 grams of pearl barley.
What is the purpose of the bay leaf and celery leaf?
They are added to the pot for flavoring during the simmering process.
Is this recipe good for large groups?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for feeding a crowd or for family gatherings.
How do the flavors change as leftovers?
According to the description, the flavors of the stew get even better as leftovers.