Pearl barley porridge with meat, mushrooms and vegetables

4 servings

70 minutes

Barley porridge with meat, mushrooms, and vegetables is a true embodiment of hearty home comfort characteristic of Ukrainian cuisine. This dish combines the tender texture of barley grains, aromatic meat, earthy flavor of mushrooms, and freshness of vegetables to create a harmony of tastes. Historically, barley was a staple in the diet of peasants as it is nutritious and easily accessible. In this version, the porridge gains a rich, layered flavor thanks to juicy meat and an appetizing mix of mushrooms and vegetables. The recipe's highlight is the proper cooking of barley; it becomes extraordinarily soft and airy. The dish pairs wonderfully with homemade pickles or fresh herbs, and its versatility makes it ideal for both cozy family dinners and festive gatherings.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 620
• Proteins: 31.8g
• Fats: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 77.9g

Ingredients

• Pearl barley: 1.5 glass
• Beef: 400 g
• Champignons: 200 g
• Green peas: 100 g
• Onion: 1 head
• Carrot: 1 pc
• Salt: to taste
• Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
• Ground black pepper: to taste
• Spices: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Cut the meat into portions and fry until golden in vegetable oil. Add salt, pepper, and spices to taste. Add water and simmer until cooked (it took me 40 minutes).

   Required ingredients:

   • Beef: 400 g
   • Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
   • Salt:  to taste
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste
   • Spices:  to taste

2. Wash the mushrooms, cut them into 4 pieces, and add to the meat. Stew for 10-15 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Champignons: 200 g

3. Cut the carrot into strips and the onion into cubes. Add the vegetables to the meat and mushrooms, and simmer for 10 minutes with the lid on.

   Required ingredients:

   • Carrot: 1 piece
   • Onion: 1 head

4. When the vegetables are soft, add the peas (previously thawed) and cook for no more than 2 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Green peas: 100 g

5. Rinse the pearl barley and soak it in plenty of water overnight. In the morning, drain the water, rinse again, and cook the barley in salted water until done. When the barley is ready, drain the water and wrap the pot in a blanket, so it will become soft and beautiful.

   Required ingredients:

   • Pearl barley: 1.5 glass

6. Add vegetables and mushrooms to the pearl barley. Gently mix, hold on the heat for 1-2 minutes, and serve.

   Required ingredients:

   • Pearl barley: 1.5 glass
   • Champignons: 200 g
   • Green peas: 100 g
   • Onion: 1 head
   • Carrot: 1 piece