In this busy Get Ready for Christmas Vlog episode, I will show you how I'm getting ready for Christmas. Starting with a delicious Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Stew that's going to fill me up at the end of a long day of decorating. I'll be showing you some "small" items I'm using to deck the halls this year, and lastly, I'll be venturing outside of my apartment to go watch the Waltham Christmas Tree lighting. I know this episode will get you in the mood for some holiday celebrations!
Slow Cooker Beer and Barley Soup
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 pound beef stewing meat (should come in chunks)
1 small onion, diced into small pieces
2 teaspoons minced garlic ( you can cheat and get it from a jar like I did)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 large carrots peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 ribs of celery chopped
1/2 cup of pearl barley (please rinse and discard any that look bad)
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
2 bay leaves
4 cups of a low sodium beef broth
Instructions:
Add a little olive oil to a large pan and heat it on medium heat for 1 minute.
Brown the meat (I cooked mine to about medium) and then place them in a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
Add onions to the same pan and cook them over medium heat or until they are translucent. Stir in the garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper, and cook for an additional minute.
Add your onions to the meat in the slow cooker and add in the chopped carrots, celery, rinsed barley, tomato paste, and bay leaves. Stir it and then add in the 4 cups of beef broth.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3-4 (I did high for 4 hours and it was delicious). You'll know when it's done because the veggies and barley will be tender.
Serve with a side of bread and garnish with parsley if you'd like. Enjoy!
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