Easy Crockpot Veggie Barley Stew

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: Approximately 190
• Protein: 7 grams
• Carbohydrates: 34 grams
• Fat: 1.5 grams
• Fiber: 8 grams
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Sodium: 260 mg

Why Make This Easy Crockpot Veggie Barley Stew

Imagine returning home to the aroma of a warm, hearty stew waiting just for you. The Easy Crockpot Veggie Barley Stew offers this comforting experience with minimal effort. It’s a simple recipe that allows you to pack in a variety of vegetables and nutritious barley, making it a wholesome choice any day of the week. You’ll love how the flavors mingle together over hours of slow cooking, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also nourishing.

How to Make Easy Crockpot Veggie Barley Stew

This recipe is as straightforward as it gets, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. With just a bit of preparation and your trusty slow cooker, you’ll have a delightful stew ready to enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups spinach or kale

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

In your crockpot, combine all the ingredients except for the spinach or kale. This includes the pearl barley, vegetable broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, zucchini, bell pepper, thyme, oregano, and seasoning. Give everything a good stir to ensure that the barley and veggies are mixed evenly.

Step 2: Mixing

Stir well once more to combine all the elements thoroughly. This step is crucial as it ensures that the barley infuses with the flavors of the vegetables and herbs during the cooking process.

Step 3: Cooking

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. The slow cooking will allow the barley to become tender and the vegetables to soften beautifully, creating a rich and hearty stew.

Step 4: Finishing

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the spinach or kale and allow it to wilt. This last addition not only enhances the nutritional value of your stew but also adds a vibrant pop of color. Before serving, taste the stew and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

How to Serve Easy Crockpot Veggie Barley Stew

Serve this delightful stew warm, perhaps with a crusty piece of bread for dipping. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. For a boost of flavor, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce for those who like a kick!

How to Store Easy Crockpot Veggie Barley Stew

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much. You can also freeze this stew for up to 3 months. Just remember to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Crockpot Veggie Barley Stew

• Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and nutrition.
• If you’re short on time, prep the veggies the night before and store them in the fridge.
• Feel free to switch up the veggies based on what you have on hand. Sweet potatoes and green beans make excellent substitutes.
• For a protein boost, consider adding chickpeas or lentils to the mix.
• Adjust the thickness of the stew by adding more or less broth—some prefer it thicker, while others enjoy a soupier consistency.

Delicious Variations

• Add Meat: For a heartier version, add cooked chicken or turkey.
• Spicy Version: Incorporate a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Creamy Texture: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of sour cream before serving for a creamy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use quick-cooking barley instead of pearl barley?
  Yes, but be aware that quick-cooking barley will cook much faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

• Is barley gluten-free?
  No, barley contains gluten and is not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Can I prepare this stew the night before?
  Absolutely! You can chop the vegetables and combine the ingredients in the crockpot, refrigerating it overnight. In the morning, just start cooking it.

• How can I make this stew vegan?
  This recipe is already vegan; just ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-certified.

• What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
  Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a little broth or water as needed to bring back the desired consistency.

Conclusion

The Easy Crockpot Veggie Barley Stew is a nourishing hug in a bowl, perfect for any day of the week. Packed with flavor and loaded with nutritious ingredients, this stew is not only easy to make, but it also allows for endless variations to suit your taste. Gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and let the magic happen. You’ll find comfort in every spoonful! Try it today, and make your kitchen the coziest place to be!

Easy Crockpot Veggie Barley Stew

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 375 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

A warm and hearty vegetable stew made easy in your crockpot, packed with nutritious barley and vegetables.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup pearl barley
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups spinach or kale

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Instructions

1. In your crockpot, combine all the ingredients except for the spinach or kale: pearl barley, vegetable broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, zucchini, bell pepper, thyme, oregano, and seasoning. Stir well.
2. Ensure that the barley and veggies are mixed evenly.
3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the spinach or kale to allow it to wilt.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh seasonal vegetables. Leftovers can be stored for up to 4 days, or frozen for 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 360 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 260mg
• Fat: 1.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg