Lentil Barley Stew

pattikay in L.A.'s Note:

This is a simple, hearty stew adapted from the More with Less Cookbook. The crushed red pepper is my own addition, and of course it's optional if you don't like that sort of thing - but I like it to have a little zip.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 5 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 -4 tablespoons butter (or margarine)
• ¾ cup chopped celery
• ¾ cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 6 cups water (or stock)
• ¾ cup lentils
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup shredded carrot
• ¾ cup barley
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• ¼-½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Saute celery, garlic and onion in butter in a large pan (I use a 5-qt dutch oven).
2. Add water or stock and lentils.
3. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes, barley, carrots and seasonings.
5. Simmer for 45-60 minutes, till barley and lentils are tender, adding more stock if necessary.

Reviews

[Mommy2.0]

I used beef stock, and added a chipolte bullion cube (found them at Walmart in the Mexican aisle). Served it over rice pilaf. It was good, hearty and filling.

[free-free]

Great, hearty filling stew...perfect for a cold winters nite...loved the extra kick &heat of red pepper- I used seeds from my own dehydrated hot peppers and a bit more then suggested...I also added my own other seasonings in during the sauteing stage and more to taste as I went with it...Used all veggie stock & ended up using red split lentils ('cause I wanted to save my whole ones for sprouting) and ended up really pleased with the way they creamed into the texture...the carrot and tomato lent a nice sweetness that balanced the spicy and nutty notes... Thanks pattikay! ->->->Made playing "I Recommend..." and yes I do!!!... :)

[Blessed*One]

Terrific! I made this tonight with #209011 and it was a good combination. I used 2 cups of chopped tomatoes from my garden, for half a recipe; and I didn't use celery. Used about 1/16th tsp. of cayenne powder, which was mild, but worked for my tender children.