Hearty Beef Stew with Creamy Barley & Colorful Sides
A comforting and nourishing dish combining tender beef, creamy barley, and colorful sides, perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 kg beef cubes (chuck or stew meat) High-quality beef recommended
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional) Adds depth to the flavor
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1/2 cup cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup mashed pumpkin
- 1/2 cup creamed spinach
- 1/2 cup creamy potato salad
- 1/4 cup beetroot salad (optional)
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown beef cubes on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add carrots, tomato paste, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Pour in broth and wine (if using). Return beef to the pot, cover, and simmer for 2 hours until tender.
- Cook barley in water or broth until soft, then stir in butter, cream, and salt.
- Serve the beef stew with creamy barley and sides of pumpkin mash, creamed spinach, and salads.
Notes
Allow adequate simmering time for tender meat. Feel free to customize vegetables based on preferences or seasonality.