Slow Cooker Bean and Barley Stew
- Level: Easy
- Total: 8 hr 10 min
- Active: 10 min
- Yield: 10 to 12 servings
Ingredients
8 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 pound dried bean mix (navy, kidney, pinto mix), rinsed
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 stalks celery, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 bay leaf
A few sprigs fresh thyme
8 ounces dried barley
8 ounces baby spinach
Toasted crusty bread or baguette, for serving
Directions
- Combine the broth, bean mix, salt, pepper, celery, carrots, garlic, onions, bay leaf, thyme and 2 cups water in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours. Add the barley and, if the broth looks low, another cup of water. Cover and cook on low an additional 1 hour (8 hours total).
- Just before serving, stir in the spinach to wilt. Serve in a big bowl with toasted crusty bread or baguette.
