So pearl barley from the store cupboard has joined leeks and parsnips from the freezer, and lots of sage and thyme to make a soupy stew that I think will work on it's own or with a veggie sausage or similar as a more substantial meal.
Just be aware that my post-chemo taste-buds seem to only be responding to super-herby flavours at the moment that you might need a bit less flavouring than me if you play with this one but trust me it makes the house smell glorious.
Leek, Parsnip and Barley stew
- c. 1 tablespoon oil
- c. 250g leeks
- c. 250g part-boiled parsnips
- c, 100g pearl barley
- 3 tablespoons dried sage
- 2 tablespoons stock powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- black pepper to taste
- c. 2 litres of boiling water
In large saucepan - makes at least 5 portions
- Put oil parsnips and leeks and lightly fry until the veg softens and takes on a little bit of colour.
- Add herbs, stock and enough water to cover to about 2 cms below the pan rim, bring to the boil.
- Add the barley and simmer for c. 30mins. The barley will absorb the water so you need to keep a bit of an eye on it to make sure it doesn't catch. Top the pan back up with boiling stock to same level as previous and simmer until barley soft.
- The final result is a thick brothy type soup that looks a bit beige but tastes great. I might add some peas or something else with a bit of colour to it when I warm up the portions.
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| All ready for freezing |
