Easy Split Pea and Barley Stew
Warm, hearty, and packed with plant-based goodness, this Easy Split Pea and Barley Stew is the ultimate comfort food for any season. Featuring a savory blend of tender split peas, nutty pearled barley, and a medley of onions, carrots, and celery, this one-pot recipe delivers a healthy, fiber-rich meal that's both satisfying and simple to make. Seasoned with aromatic thyme and a hint of garlic, this stew comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Serve it piping hot with a garnish of fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread for a wholesome, nourishing dinner that the whole family will love. Vegan, budget-friendly, and freezer-friendly, this recipe is perfect for meal prep and cozy nights in!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dried split peas, rinsed
- 0.5 cup pearled barley, rinsed
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves (dried or fresh)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the rinsed split peas, pearled barley, vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
Increase the heat to high and bring the stew to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the stew simmer for 50-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Check the split peas and barley for tenderness. If needed, simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. Add more broth or water if the stew becomes too thick.
Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if using. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1994 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.4 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.5 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 7195 mg | 313% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 315.9 g | 115% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 89.9 g | 321% | |
| Total Sugars | 64.1 g | ||
| Protein | 91.7 g | 183% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 618 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 22.0 mg | 122% | |
| Potassium | 7053 mg | 150% | |
*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.
