The cold weather is coming. And almost nothing tastes more warming than lamb. Except perhaps eating it in this barley stew.
Lamb is not exactly a frugal food. Not even in Australia where it was once a staple. But the good thing is that a little of it goes a long way in this dish, where I stretch it out. It tastes full-bodied, though, and you would not really guess that the dish is so frugal. Well maybe you would if you were dining at my place on a Friday but otherwise you might not realise.
This is a bit of a cross between a stew and a soup. I like it a bit thicker, but add less barley if you would like more of a soupy texture.
Ingredients:
2 lamb loin chops
1 onion, chopped
1 tomato, peeled and chopped (can substiute one tablespoon or more of tomato paste)
2/3 cup pearl barley
1 large carrot
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
black pepper
1 dessertspoon vegemite
2 litres of water
Method:
- Cut the fat away from the lamb chops and reserve. Cut the remaining two lamb chops into small pieces. Reserve the bones.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan (e.g. a cast iron one) fry the onion with the lamb fat until the onion is translucent. Remove the fat and discard.
- Add the lamb (including the bones), and fry until it is just cook. Then add the barley, tomato, cumin and coriander, and fry for a further minute or two. It should be very fragrant at this point.
- Pour over the two litres of water, and bring to the boil. Add in the remaining ingredients. Cook for around an hour or until the barley and meat are tender. Serve in bowls with bread and lots of parsley.
Cost (based on ALDI prices)
Lamb $3.70
Tomato $0.20
Onion 30c
Pearl barley 30c
Carrot 20c
Vegemite 10c
Herbs 20c
Total: $5
My daughter and husband loves lamb and this stew looks hearty and delicious, will give it a try.
Serina, what a great way to stretch out those 2 lamb chops, fat, bones and all. Looks like a warming meal, perfect for our cooling weather. Cheers, Kirsty
This is the perfect dish for me as it has proteins, good fiber without costing a fortune! I have bookmarked it, lamb is relatively cheaper in India (well not compared to chicken, but still quite cheap) so I will definitely try it!
I love this recipe! It looks so good… I just asked my hubby if he likes barley so that I can make this 😛
And the secret ingredient is . . . vegemite! I wonder if anyone would guess it was in there if you didn’t tell them. A very Australian meal with the lamb as well. I love using lamb for stews or casseroles etc, this looks good.
That looks so delicious! perfect for a rainy and cool day
I love everything about this recipe, except the lamb. I grew up on a farm in central NSW and we ate lamb almost every meal for around 15 years, it is now one of those tastes I just cannot handle, but easy fix, I just substitute the protein with something different. Loving your secret ingredient, I use anchovies for that salty hit!