Kids & Company Blog

Beef & Barley Stew – Featured Recipe

There’s nothing better than a good stew to tide you over on a cold winter day. One of my favourite stews to make during the frosty season is a Beef & Barley Stew, which also happens to be our featured recipe this winter! Barley is one of the oldest domesticated grain crops. It has been cultivated for over 8,000 years and was considered “food of the gladiators” in Athens due to its high source of protein and dietary fibre. It is also low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Historians report that up until the 16^th century, it was the most important grain on the European continent. It was also used as currency and as a measuring standard.

Beef & Barley Stew is a common comfort food consisting of beef, barley, potatoes, carrots and celery. Starchy potatoes like russets are best for stews as their high starch content helps thicken the dish. The best way to cook barley is by steaming! It is the most time-consuming technique, however it produces the most evenly cooked result. For maximum flavour, sear the stewing beef on all sides and deglaze the pan with beef or veggie stock before adding in the rest of the ingredients. Try combining in the morning all the ingredients in a slow cooker and come home to a yummy hearty dinner!

Kidco Kitchen Beef & Barley Stew 

*Makes 6 portions

 

What you need:

• 2 lbs Stewing Beef
• 1 Tbsp Veggie Oil
• 1 Cup Diced Onion
• 1 Cup Diced Tomato
• 3 Cup Beef Stock
• ¾ Cup Pearled Barley
• 2 Tbsp Thyme
• ½ Cup Diced Potato
• ½ Cup Diced Carrot
• ½ Cup Diced Celery
• 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic

 

What to do:

1. Make sure to wash your hands before you begin.
2. In a large skillet heat veggie oil over medium heat. Add the stewing beef, onion and garlic until browned and set aside.
3. Add the broth, barley, thyme, tomatoes, carrots, celery, potatoes and beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour.

 

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @kidcochildcare and on Instagram @cheflisaruscica!

Cheers,

Chef Lisa Ruscica
Chief Food Ambassador

Posted on: Wednesday January 25th, 2017

Posted by: Lisa Ruscica