Description: This hearty Irish Beef and Barley Stew is a comforting dish, packed with tender chunks of beef, wholesome vegetables, and nutty barley. It’s slow-cooked to perfection, creating a rich, savory broth that’s perfect for chilly days. This stew is a one-pot meal that brings together simple ingredients in a flavorful way, ideal for sharing with family and friends.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Serving Size: Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs (700g) beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 large potato, diced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the Beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Beef: In a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, searing on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add the Broth and Barley: Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the beef broth, barley, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cook the Stew: Cover and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef and barley are tender.
6. Add the Potato: Add the diced potato to the stew, and simmer for an additional 30 minutes until the potato is cooked through.
7. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

This Irish Beef and Barley Stew is a nourishing meal on its own, best enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread.