Lentil Barley Stew

Warm, hearty, and packed with nourishing ingredients, this Lentil Barley Stew is the ultimate comfort food for any season. Featuring a wholesome combination of protein-rich lentils, nutty pearled barley, and a colorful medley of vegetables, this stew gets a flavor boost from fragrant herbs like thyme and rosemary, along with a smoky kick of paprika. Simmered in a rich vegetable broth with juicy diced tomatoes, it creates a cozy, satisfying bowl that's perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep. Optional baby spinach adds a nutrient-packed, vibrant touch, while fresh parsley brightens up every bite. Ready in just over an hour, this plant-based, fiber-rich stew is a one-pot wonder that serves six, making it ideal for family dinners or leftover lunches.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 0.5 cup pearled barley, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (canned, with juices)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed lentils, barley, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.

Step 6

Simmer the stew for 50-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and barley are tender. Add more broth or water if the stew becomes too thick.

Step 7

If using baby spinach, stir it into the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2274.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1345.9

Total Fat 43.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.9g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6066.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 200.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 50.2g	0%
Total Sugars 43.2g
Protein 55.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 540.1mg	0%
Iron 21.0mg	0%
Potassium 5408.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.5%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 56.9%