Main Course · Eastern European · Dinner ·

Earthy Polish Barley Stew with Caramelized Root Vegetables

Name: Earthy Polish Barley Stew with Caramelized Root Vegetables
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed and drained; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried marjoram; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 large carrots, peeled and diced; 1 parsnip, peeled and diced; 1 large potato, peeled and diced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; Fresh parsley, chopped; Sour cream, for topping

This traditional Polish dish combines nutty barley and rich, caramelized root vegetables for a comforting stew that warms the soul.

4.2(381 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 30, 2026

Earthy Polish Barley Stew with Caramelized Root Vegetables — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Barley Stew

For the Caramelized Root Vegetables

For Garnish and Serving

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 298 kcal
Protein: 5.3 g
Carbs: 40.1 g
Fat: 13.9 g
Fiber: 5.1 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1785 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Carbs: 241 g
Fat: 83 g
Fiber: 31 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 cup pearl barley rinsed and drained	700	20	158	2	32
2 tablespoons olive oil	240	0	0	28	0
1 medium onion finely chopped	44	1	10	0	2
2 cloves garlic minced	9	0	2	0	0
4 cups vegetable broth	40	2	8	0	0
1 teaspoon dried marjoram	5	0	1	0	1
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 large carrots peeled and diced	82	1	19	0	6
1 parsnip peeled and diced	100	2	24	0	6
1 large potato peeled and diced	160	4	37	0	4
2 tablespoons unsalted butter	200	0	0	22	0
1 tablespoon brown sugar	50	0	13	0	0
Fresh parsley chopped	3	0	1	0	0
Sour cream for topping	152	2	0	31	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Barley Stew

1
Heat the oil
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2
Sauté onions
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Add garlic
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

Preparing the Caramelized Root Vegetables

1
Melt butter
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2
Cook vegetables
Add carrots, parsnip, and potato, cooking until they start to soften, about 8 minutes.
3
Caramelize
Sprinkle the brown sugar over the vegetables and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender, about 12 minutes.
Tip: Be sure to stir the vegetables frequently to prevent burning. Pro Tip: Add a splash of broth to deglaze the pan and incorporate caramelized bits into the stew.

How to Make Earthy Polish Barley Stew with Caramelized Root Vegetables

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 6 servings

1
Simmer the Stew
Add barley, vegetable broth, and marjoram to the onion mixture. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes or until barley is tender.
2
Combine and Heat Through
Stir in the caramelized vegetables and let simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3
Season and Serve
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.