Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy haven of deliciousness? This hearty Vegetable and Pearl Barley Stew with Dumplings is not just a meal—it's a culinary embrace that promises to chase away the coldest of days and fill your home with irresistible aromas. Imagine a dish that combines the rustic charm of British countryside cooking with the nutritious goodness of vegetables and the satisfying chew of pearl barley, all topped with cloud-like dumplings that melt in your mouth.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing, peeling, and dicing carrots, onion, and celery into uniform small pieces.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced carrots and celery to the pot, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add pearl barley, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for approximately 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until barley is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- While stew is simmering, prepare dumpling mixture by combining flour, baking powder, melted butter, and milk in a mixing bowl. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Once barley is tender, drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly onto the simmering stew, leaving space between each dumpling.
- Cover the pot and cook dumplings for 10-12 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing them to steam and become fluffy.
- Check dumplings for doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out clean. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, ensuring each portion includes vegetables, barley, and at least one dumpling.
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality vegetables for the most vibrant flavor. The key to an exceptional stew is using crisp, seasonal produce.
- Toast the pearl barley briefly in the pot before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and improve overall taste profile.
- For extra-fluffy dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough. Stir just until ingredients are combined to prevent tough results.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Don't peek while the dumplings are steaming! Keeping the lid closed ensures they rise properly and become light and airy.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the vegetable mixture while sautéing to help create a more robust consistency.
- This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
