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What Is Barley?
Barley is a cereal grain from the same family as wheat, oats, rice, and corn. It’s often used to feed livestock, because of its high protein content; but is also one of the oldest grains regularly consumed by people.Barley is a great source of magnesium, essential amino acids and vitamin B1. The flavor of this starch is similar to rice and farro—mild and slightly sweet with a chewy texture—making it the perfect addition to dishes like this stew.
Is Barley Gluten-Free?
Barley is not gluten-free, as it is one of three common grains, along with wheat and rye, that contains gluten. If you’re sensitive to gluten, look out for products that contain barley flour, barley malt, and barley syrup. Read food labels carefully and look for products that are certified gluten-free.Why This Recipe Stands Out
We’re a little obsessed with cooking up all the comforting soups and stews in the winter, and this Beef and Barley Stew is one of our favorites. Here’s why:- Healthy: The beef, barley, and veggies in this stew provide the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and vitamins.
- Flavorful: We love how the slow-cooker really draws out the flavors of this soup.
- Easy: Just like all of our slow-cooker meals, this recipe is ridiculously easy. Just toss everything in and let the slow-cooker work its magic!
- Freezes Well: Beef and Barley Stew freezes amazingly making it a perfect easy meal-prep lunch or dinner.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Chuck Roast—Beef chuck roast is a fattier cut of meat which is perfect for this stew. The slow-cooker draws out the fat into the broth adding amazing flavor!
- Barley—Make sure to use pearled barley for this recipe. However, don’t opt for the quick-cooking kind as this will get mushy too fast.
- Beef Broth—We use regular strength beef broth for the base of this stew.
- Corn Kernels—Fresh corn kernels add the perfect pop of sweetness to this savory stew.
- Veggies—Onions, celery, and carrots blend together perfectly and boost the vitamins and minerals in this stew.
