BEEF AND BARLEY STEW

Beef and Barley Stew image

This is a very hearty beef and barley stew, but the subtle wine with portobello mushrooms, thyme and bay leaves make it special enough to serve to company. -Diane Werner

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 2h10m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups sliced carrots
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup sliced celery
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups sliced baby portobello mushrooms
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes
1 cup water
1 cup dry red wine
1 cup beef broth
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup uncooked medium pearl barley
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cold water
1 to 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Minced fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, cook beef in oil until meat is no longer pink. Add the carrots, onion and celery; cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cook 1 minute longer. Add the mushrooms, stewed tomatoes, water, wine, broth, bay leaves, salt, thyme and pepper. , Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour. Add barley; cover and simmer 45 minutes longer or until barley and meat are tender. , Combine flour and cold water until smooth. Gradually stir into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Discard bay leaves. Stir in balsamic vinegar just before serving. Sprinkle each serving with parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 209 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 541mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 14g protein.