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BEEF SHIN STEW WITH PEARL BARLEY

Description: Beef Shin Stew with Pearl Barley is a traditional Irish comfort food that transforms humble ingredients into a rich and satisfying meal. Slow-cooked beef shin becomes meltingly tender while pearl barley thickens the broth and adds a wholesome texture. Combined with root vegetables and aromatic herbs, this hearty stew is perfect for cold evenings and family gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef shin, cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
  • 5 cups beef stock
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Season the beef shin with salt and pepper, then lightly coat with flour.
  2. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Brown the beef on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
  5. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Return the beef to the pot and add the pearl barley, stock, bay leaves, and thyme.
  7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  8. Cover and simmer for 2½ to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.
  9. Remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Cooking Tips

  • Beef shin benefits from long, slow cooking to become tender.
  • If the stew thickens too much, add a little extra stock during cooking.
  • Pearl barley naturally thickens the broth as it cooks.
  • This stew often tastes even better the following day after the flavors have developed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Beef Shin Stew with Pearl Barley alongside warm Irish soda bread, crusty farmhouse bread, or buttered potatoes. A side of steamed cabbage or seasonal greens complements the rich flavors beautifully.