Barley porridge with beef

2 servings

120 minutes

Barley porridge with beef is a traditional Russian dish that combines heartiness and rich flavor. Barley, known for its nutritional value, was historically used in peasant homes to provide energy for the whole day. In this recipe, the grain is paired with tender stewed beef, aromatic carrots and onions, seasoned with bay leaves and freshly ground pepper. The dish has a rich meaty taste, subtle spicy notes, and a pleasant texture. It is perfect for a family dinner, warms you in cold weather, and is especially valued for its simplicity and accessibility. Served hot with herbs and fresh bread, it reveals the depth of classic Russian culinary traditions.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 633.5
• Proteins: 25.1g
• Fats: 40.1g
• Carbohydrates: 47g

Ingredients

• Beef: 200 g
• Pearl barley: 100 g
• Onion: 1 pc
• Carrot: 1 pc
• Bay leaf: 2 pc
• Freshly ground black pepper: to taste
• Salt: to taste
• Parsley: to taste
• Vegetable oil: 3 tbsp

Cooking steps

1. For my recipes, I use pearl barley from Germany as it requires little cooking time. If you don't have it on hand, I recommend rinsing the pearl barley in advance, soaking it in cold water overnight. Drain the soaked barley, add fresh water (3 cups), and simmer for about 40-60 minutes on low heat.

   Required ingredients:

   • Pearl barley: 100 g
   • Salt:  to taste

2. Wash the meat and cut it into cubes. Peel the onion and slice it into half rings. Wash, peel, and cut the carrot into quarters.

   Required ingredients:

   • Beef: 200 g
   • Onion: 1 piece
   • Carrot: 1 piece

3. In a saucepan or another thick-bottomed pot, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the meat and fry, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes (the meat should release juice).

   Required ingredients:

   • Vegetable oil: 3 tablespoons
   • Beef: 200 g

4. Add onion, carrot, season with a little salt, mix, and cook for about 5 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 1 piece
   • Carrot: 1 piece
   • Salt:  to taste

5. Pour in water to cover the meat and vegetables, and simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally over low heat. The cooked meat should be tender and easily shred into fibers.

   Required ingredients:

   • Beef: 200 g

6. 15 minutes before the meat is ready, add bay leaf, freshly ground black pepper, and pearl barley. Stir and cook until done.

   Required ingredients:

   • Bay leaf: 2 pieces
   • Freshly ground black pepper:  to taste
   • Pearl barley: 100 g

7. Remove the bay leaf from the porridge. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add chopped parsley. Let the cooked pearl barley with beef sit covered for about 15 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Bay leaf: 2 pieces
   • Salt:  to taste
   • Freshly ground black pepper:  to taste
   • Parsley:  to taste