Barley Beef Stew

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup pearl barley
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

2 hours on the stovetop or 4 hours in the oven

Difficulty Level:

2 (Medium)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides.
2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the beef broth, water, barley, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours on the stovetop or 4 hours in a 350°F oven.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Hearty and flavorful
• Rich and savory
• Perfect for cold weather
• Can be made ahead of time

User Comments:

• "This stew is so delicious and comforting! The beef is tender and the vegetables are perfectly cooked."
• "I love the subtle sweetness from the tomato paste and the herbs add a wonderful aroma."
• "I've made this stew several times and it's always a hit with my family and friends."
• "I made a double batch and froze half of it for later. It reheats well and tastes just as good."
• "I substituted a can of diced tomatoes for the tomato paste and it turned out great."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have pearl barley, you can substitute regular barley, but it will take longer to cook.
• The stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
• Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious broth.