Barley & Chicken Stew

When I was a kid, my mom used to make this stew. My brother and sister hated it (and I suppose many other kids did too) but I simply loved it - It was my favourite stew of all time - so delicious! Definitely the ultimate comfort food of my childhood. But, as time passed by, I grew up, life happened and I completely forgot about it for a long time. And then, at one point, I remembered the familiar taste from childhood and started craving it, but did have no clue how to make it. So I called my mother and asked for the instructions. She barely managed to remember since it has been so long since she made it herself, but I am glad she did! Today it lives in my memory and I would hate to forget it again. So here it is. =) Hope you enjoy it as I do.

Great

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Prepare all the ingredients. Barley takes some time to cook so the dish is made in a pressure cooker.

Step 2

First, preheat some cooling oil in a pressure cooker and start searing the chicken seasoned with salt, pepper and paprika. Once browned, remove from the pot temporarily to make some room for other ingredients. I do this because I have a smaller pressure cooker - so if you think you have enough space - you can leave the chicken in the whole time.

Step 3

Now saute the onions, after a few minutes add the garlic, and then the carrot. Saute for a few minutes and now you can return the meat in, along with the barley and herbs - bay leaves and parsley. Mix all together well.

Step 4

Add the water and chicken cube in. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper. Now close the lid and cook for about 20-25 minutes on medium heat.

Step 5

Open the pressure cooker and check if the barley is soft. If not, give it another 5 minutes. I don’t like overcooked barley so I leave it with a little bite.

Step 6

And that is it! Enjoy!