Ingredients and Weight:
- Great Northern white beans, dried - 1 pound
- Chicken broth - 8 cups
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Yellow onion, chopped - 1 (about 1 cup)
- Garlic, minced - 3 cloves
- Carrots, peeled and diced - 2 (about 1 cup)
- Celery, diced - 2 stalks (about 1 cup)
- Pearl barley - 1 cup
- Baby spinach, washed - 1 (10-ounce) bag
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
2 hours
Difficulty Level:
2 (Easy)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Rinse the white beans thoroughly and pick over for any debris.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the olive oil.
- Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, carrots, and celery and cook for 3 minutes more.
- Stir in the pearl barley and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken broth, white beans, and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add the baby spinach and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Nutritional Information:
(per serving)
* Calories: 350
* Fat: 10 grams
* Saturated Fat: 2 grams
* Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
* Sodium: 700 milligrams
* Carbohydrates: 50 grams
* Dietary Fiber: 15 grams
* Protein: 20 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Hearty and comforting stew with a creamy texture from the beans.
- Flavorful with a balance of earthy, savory, and slightly sweet notes.
- Rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.
User Comments:
- "This stew is incredibly delicious and satisfying. The barley adds a nice chewy texture."
- "I love the combination of white beans, spinach, and barley. It's a unique and flavorful dish."
- "I served this stew with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the goodness."
- "Perfect for a cold winter night or a cozy meal with friends."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- If you don't have time to soak the beans overnight, you can use quick-cooking beans, which will cook in about an hour.
- To make a vegetarian version of this stew, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- For a thicker stew, mash some of the beans with a fork before adding the spinach.
