Czech Mushroom and Barley Stew (Houbová Ječná Polévka)
A comforting and earthy stew, this dish highlights the Czech love for mushrooms and hearty grains. It's a flavorful vegetarian option, perfect for a chilly day, with a rich broth and satisfying texture from the barley.
🧂 Ingredients
- 150 g Pearl Barley
- 500 g Mixed Mushrooms(fresh or dried (rehydrated), such as porcini, cremini, shiitake)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 1 medium Celery Stalk(diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1.5 liters Vegetable Broth
- 2 tbsp Butter or Oil
- 1 tsp Marjoram(dried)
- 1 Bay Leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste freshly ground Black Pepper
- for garnish Fresh Parsley
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the pearl barley under cold water and drain.
💡 Tip: This helps remove excess starch. - 2
If using dried mushrooms, rehydrate them in warm water for at least 30 minutes. Strain and reserve the soaking liquid, then chop the mushrooms.
- 3
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the prepared mushrooms (fresh or rehydrated and chopped) to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- 6
Stir in the rinsed pearl barley, vegetable broth, reserved mushroom liquid (strained), dried marjoram, and bay leaf.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid covers the barley and vegetables. - 7
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the stew has thickened.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 8
Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 9
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Tip: A dollop of sour cream is also a nice addition.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a variety of mushrooms will add depth of flavor.
- ✓For a richer broth, you can use beef broth instead of vegetable broth.
- ✓This stew can be made ahead of time; it often tastes even better the next day.
🔄 Variations
- Add cubed potatoes along with the barley for a heartier stew.
- Include a pinch of caraway seeds for a traditional Czech flavor.