pat's Recipe

Mediterranean Barley Vegetable Stew

Category: SOUPS/STEWS

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, finely chopped
2 medium yellow onions, diced
28-ounce can chopped tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted
4 cups (1 quart) vegetable broth
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, minced
1 1/2 cups pearl barley
12-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained and cut into strips
5 ounces fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup castelvetrano olives, pitted and sliced
1 cup water
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

In a large saucepan over medium, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic, shallots and onions and saute until soft and translucent, about 6 to 7 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, broth, rosemary and barley, then bring to a simmer. Cover and continue to cook until the barley is tender, about 50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Stir in the roasted red peppers, baby spinach, olives and water. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.

Makes 6 servings.