Tuscan Barley & Bean Stew

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sofrito Base

   6 min hands-on8 min waiting

   • Finely dice the onions, celery, carrots, and garlic.
   • Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil.
   • Add the diced vegetables, dried rosemary, salt, and cayenne pepper.
   • Sauté for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

2. Incorporate the Barley and Tomatoes

   1 min hands-on30 min waiting

   • Stir in the pearled barley and sun-dried tomatoes.
   • Add enough water or vegetable stock to cover the ingredients by about one inch.
   • Add the Parmesan rind, cover the pot, and simmer over medium-low heat for 30–35 minutes until the barley is tender.
   • Stir occasionally and add water if the stew thickens too much.

3. Add the Beans and Greens

   5 min hands-on10 min waiting

   • Rinse and drain the pinto beans, then add them to the pot.
   • Chop the kale and spinach into bite-sized pieces, removing tough stems, and add to the pot.
   • Stir well, cover, and cook on low heat for an additional 10 minutes until the greens are tender and wilted.

4. Prepare Garnishes

   4 min hands-on

   • Finely chop fresh thyme leaves.
   • Grate the Parmesan cheese and set aside.
   • Optionally, slice or crumble the French bread and toast it lightly.

5. Assemble and Serve

   3 min hands-on

   • Place a slice of toasted French bread at the bottom of each serving bowl.
   • Ladle the hot stew over the bread, ensuring each portion has a mix of vegetables, barley, and beans.
   • Top with grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh thyme, and an optional drizzle of olive oil.
   • Cooking tips:
   • Stir the stew occasionally to prevent the barley from sticking to the pot.
   • Adjust the liquid to achieve a slightly thick, juicy consistency.
   • Add an extra pinch of cayenne or black pepper for more heat.
   • Squeeze a splash of lemon over the stew before serving for a brighter flavor.
   • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently, adding water if it thickens too much.