This Mushroom Barley Stew is a comforting, hearty dish that marries earthy mushrooms with tender barley and fresh vegetables.
Its appeal lies in the combination of rich, savory flavors and a satisfying, thick texture, making it perfect for cozy meals.
Beyond taste, it’s a nutritional powerhouse: high in plant-based protein and fiber, packed with vitamins from mushrooms, carrots, and tomatoes, and featuring heart-healthy fats from butter and olive oil.
It’s naturally low in saturated fat and can easily be adapted for vegan diets using plant-based butter.
The recipe is quick to prepare, straightforward to cook, and ideal for meal prep—its flavors develop beautifully when stored, making it a versatile choice for weeknight dinners or weekend comfort cooking.
The crispy mushroom topping adds texture and visual appeal, turning a simple stew into an elegant, crowd-pleasing dish.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Heavy-Bottomed Large Pot
Ideal for sautéing, simmering, and developing deep flavors. Its thick base ensures even heat distribution, preventing scorching while producing a rich, flavorful stew. Essential for soups, stews, and braises in everyday cooking.
Small Skillet
Perfect for crisping the mushroom topping to golden perfection. Beyond this recipe, it’s great for searing vegetables, frying eggs, or browning proteins with precise control.
Chef’s Knife
Enables precise chopping of vegetables and mushrooms for uniform cooking. A versatile kitchen staple for slicing, dicing, and mincing, making prep faster and safer.
Wooden Spoon
Gentle on cookware and ideal for stirring thick stews or incorporating flour without scratching pots. It’s durable, heat-resistant, and indispensable for everyday stirring tasks.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ensures accurate ingredient ratios for consistent taste and texture. A must-have for home cooks aiming for reliable results across recipes.
Easy Mushroom Barley Stew
Equipment
- 1 Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot
- 1 Small Skillet
- 1 Chef’s Knife
- 1 Wooden spoon
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ingredients
Mushroom Barley Stew:
- 2 tsp neutral oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 lb mixed mushrooms sliced or diced
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 4 ribs celery diced
- 6 small carrots diced
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 4 Roma tomatoes diced (or 1 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes)
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 2 tbsp flour optional
- 6 cups mushroom or vegetable stock plus extra as needed
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried chives
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Crispy Mushroom Topping:
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 8 oz mushrooms torn or sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley minced
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Heat the neutral oil and butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering. Add the mixed mushrooms in a single layer and cook, stirring frequently, for 8–12 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown and tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper while cooking to enhance their natural umami flavor. Once cooked, transfer the mushrooms to a bowl and set aside, keeping the pot ready for the vegetables.
- Prepare the Mirepoix: In the same pot, add a small drizzle of oil if needed, then introduce the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their aromas. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 45 seconds to avoid burning, ensuring the garlic flavor infuses the base evenly. This forms the aromatic foundation for the stew.
- Build the Stew Base: Add the diced tomatoes and pearl barley to the vegetables, stirring well for about 1 minute to coat the grains and release their flavor. Return the sautéed mushrooms to the pot, mixing gently to combine. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture if using, and cook while stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes until the raw flour scent cooks off and it develops a light golden color. This step helps thicken the stew naturally.
- Add Stock and Seasonings: Gradually pour in 1 cup of the mushroom or vegetable stock while whisking to prevent lumps, then continue adding the remaining stock one cup at a time, whisking between additions to ensure a smooth consistency. Stir in the dried thyme, chives, parsley, crushed red pepper, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the barley is tender and the stew is rich and flavorful. Add extra stock if needed to maintain a perfect stew consistency.
- Crisp the Mushroom Topping: While the stew simmers, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the mushrooms in a single layer and cook without stirring for 2–3 minutes to achieve deep browning, then flip and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately toss with the minced fresh parsley and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Serve the stew in bowls, piling the crispy mushrooms on top for a crunchy, flavorful contrast, and garnish with any remaining parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Young, small carrots do not need peeling; for larger carrots, peel and use only 3.
- Barley may absorb extra liquid; keep additional stock on hand to adjust consistency.
- The crispy mushroom topping adds texture and flavor—don’t skip it.
- Can easily be made vegan by substituting butter with plant-based butter.
- Stew flavors improve when left to sit for a few hours or overnight
Chef’s Secrets For Maximum Flavor
To elevate the stew, always brown the mushrooms thoroughly before adding other ingredients—this caramelization develops rich umami depth.
Toasting the barley slightly in the pot before adding stock enhances its nutty flavor.
Use homemade or high-quality vegetable or mushroom stock for a more robust taste, and don’t rush the simmering stage;
allowing the stew to cook slowly ensures the barley becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Finally, finish with fresh parsley and flaky salt on the crispy mushrooms for a fragrant, professional touch.
Serving Suggestions To Impress Guests
This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted root vegetables for a complete meal.
Serve in shallow bowls and top with the golden mushroom mixture to create an inviting presentation.
For added richness, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of grated vegan cheese works beautifully.
It also makes a cozy solo meal, perfect for lunch or dinner, with leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Storage Tips For Easy Meals
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The flavors continue to develop, making reheated portions even more flavorful.
For longer storage, freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months.
When reheating, gently warm over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of stock or water to restore creaminess.
Keep the crispy mushroom topping separate and add just before serving to maintain its crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipe
1. Can I use other grains instead of barley?
Yes! Pearl barley can be replaced with farro, brown rice, or quinoa, but cooking times may vary. Barley gives the stew its characteristic chewy texture and nuttiness.
2. Are all mushrooms suitable for this recipe?
Mixed mushrooms work best for depth of flavor. Cremini, shiitake, and portobello are excellent, but you can adjust based on availability. Avoid watery mushrooms like white button only—they may dilute the stew.
3. Can I make this stew vegan?
Absolutely. Simply swap butter for plant-based alternatives, such as vegan butter or olive oil. The dish remains rich, hearty, and flavorful.
4. How can I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
Sprinkle a small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry and simmer gently while stirring. Cooking uncovered also reduces excess liquid naturally.
5. Can this stew be made ahead?
Yes! It’s ideal for meal prep. Prepare the stew up to two days in advance, storing the mushroom topping separately, and reheat gently before serving.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by triedandtruerecipe. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
