Earthy Polish Barley Stew with Caramelized Root Vegetables

Name: Earthy Polish Barley Stew with Caramelized Root Vegetables
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 cup pearl barley; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion; 2 cloves garlic; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried marjoram; Salt and pepper; 2 large carrots; 1 parsnip; 1 large potato; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; Fresh parsley; Sour cream

An aromatic, hearty stew perfect for a cozy family meal

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

1 h 45 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Barley Stew

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

For the Caramelized Root Vegetables

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

For Garnish and Serving

Fresh parsley

chopped

Sour cream

for topping

Preparation

Preparing the Barley Stew

Heat the oil

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Sauté onions

Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add garlic

Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

Preparing the Caramelized Root Vegetables

Melt butter

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Cook vegetables

Add carrots, parsnip, and potato, cooking until they start to soften, about 8 minutes.

Caramelize

Sprinkle the brown sugar over the vegetables and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender, about 12 minutes.

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.

Cooking Process

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.

For extra depth of flavor, toast the barley lightly before adding it to the stew.

Combine and Heat Through

Stir in the caramelized vegetables and let simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Season and Serve

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Plating & Serving