Once again it’s been a few months since I took part in Random Recipes, organised by Dom at Belleau Kitchen, so this month I decided I would make a start early. Usually the rules involve picking a recipe from a book at random. This month the rules were slightly different We had to pick an item at random from the place at the back of the store cupboard where half-used long-forgotten items end up. I delved in and the first item I came up with was an opened pack of cashew nuts, expiry date October 2010. I threw them away, but it left me with a dilemma, should I pick again, or should I use the more recently opened, within date cashew nuts at the front of the cupboard? I decided to pick again. This time, I came out with a small pack of dried figs with just 2 left in that seemed to have seen much better days. They also had to be thrown away. Third time lucky, I picked a bag of pearl barley. However, I don’t have many cookbooks with recipes in for pearl barley. After a few unlucky attempts I found 200 Slow Cooker Recipes with a recipe for beery pearl barley, perfect for slightly chilly autumn weather. I was delighted that it allowed me to prepare the whole recipe in advance and as it was a one pot meal I didn’t even need to prepare any side dishes in the evening. It’s a bit ugly to look at but it tasted delicious, although my husband has asked me not to add the pearl barley next time!
Ingredients – Serves 3
400g braising steak, cubed
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, diced
1 potato, diced
1 tbsp plain flour
55g pearl barley
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
300ml light beer
300ml beef stock
How to make Beery Barley Beef
1. Put a little oil in a saucepan. Seal the beef and then tip into the slow cooker.
2. Add a little more oil if necessary. Cook the onion until soft. Add the flour and stir. Add the potatoes, carrots, herbs and beer. Bring to the boil, stirring, then pour into the slow cooker. Add the pearl barley.
3. Put the beef stock into the pan. Bring to the boil and then pour into the slow cooker.
4. Cook on a low heat for 9 hours.
belleaukitchen
October 8, 2012 at 7:56 am
Excellent post!! I’m loving that this months challenge is digging out all those awful out of date items. Although had that been my mums cupboard back in the 70′s she’d have eaten those nuts regardless. The pearl barley stew looks just the ticket anyway for these cold autumn nights so well done you! And thanks for taking part, it’s lovely to have you back x
belleaukitchen
October 8, 2012 at 7:58 am
Oh… I just left a long comment but it seems to have vanished!! This pearl barley soup looks wonderfully warming for these cold autumn nights so it was a great third time lucky indeedy. Thanks so much for taking part it’s nice to have you back on board. Great post!
Katerina
October 9, 2012 at 4:48 pm
Beer leaves a beautiful aftertaste to the food when it is cooked. This stew looks perfect for the first autumn chills!
Krista
October 10, 2012 at 4:51 pm
This looks great! Where are you located anyway?
Corina
October 10, 2012 at 6:34 pm
I’m glad you like the look of it. I’m in London.
denise
October 11, 2012 at 7:22 am
Oh I love pearl barley and have a packet at the back of my cupboard too! Must drag that out. My mother always put barley in her beef stews and it brought back cold winter nights getting home from school in the dark and the smell of mum’s lovely stew simmering on the stove. As we are still getting cold weather here I might give your recipe a run!
little macaroon
October 30, 2012 at 11:06 am
I can imagine how delicious this is, I’m sure this could be a winter family staple! Putting it on the menu…
Ruth Ellis
October 30, 2012 at 1:49 pm
This looks lovely – although I know what you mean – stews are so hard to take appetising photographs of! I think you’ve manage it though – looks good to me. Laughed at your ‘third time lucky’. At least you got something tasty in the end
)
Ruthdigs
October 30, 2012 at 2:10 pm
This looks great for the winter, and a good one I can make for the Chap in my slow cooker. What beer did you use out of interest?
Corina
October 30, 2012 at 3:26 pm
I can’t remember now. It was something like Budwar.
Vanessa @ Cakes and Teacups
October 30, 2012 at 3:53 pm
This looks warm and inviting. Perfect for a cold winters day. I’ve always wanted to create something with barley and this might just be the recipe. : )