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Lamb And Pearl Barley Stew

Lamb & Barley Stew in Wooden Bowl with spoon sticking out. Top view.
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EatSimpleFood.com

This simple comforting Irish inspired lamb and pearl barley stew recipe will warm you up with its chewy and hearty barley, soft cooked veggies, and tender lamb.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, trimmed & cut into bite size pieces
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery, sliced
  • 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3/4 cup pearl barley
  • 2 cups green beans, cut into 1" pieces
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped - as garnish
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Dice lamb shoulder into bite size pieces and lightly salt and pepper.
  • Bring a large pot (I prefer a 6 quart dutch oven) to medium high heat and add the lamb in batches (overcrowding the pan will cause the lamb to steam & not brown).  
  • Sear 6-8 minutes or until brown.  Remove lamb from pan with slotted spoon (leaving any drippings in pan) and set aside.
  • Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pan.  Reduce heat and cook 5-7 minutes or until veggies are soft and translucent.  
  • Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.  Add a little olive oil if pot is dry.
  • Add chicken broth and bay leaves, cover, and bring to a boil.  
  • Add pearl barley, bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook covered ~ 30 minutes.  
  • Add lamb (and any juice) and green beans and cook ~ 10 minutes or until barley is soft but chewy and green beans are cooked to your liking.
  • Add salt to taste.  Spoon into bowls and garnish with parsley.  Happy stewin'!  beckie

Notes

  • Don't want to cut up green beans or don't like them?  Buy frozen green beans and/or substitute frozen peas.
  • Ran out of broth but want the stew thinner?  Add some water instead.
  • Don't want to cut the lamb into bite size pieces 'cause it's taking too long?  Make the chunks bigger but increase the cooking time by throwing in the lamb with the pearl barley.

Find it online: https://eatsimplefood.com/lamb-barley-stew/