Looking for a hearty and nutritious meal that practically cooks itself? Dive into the world of flavors with our delightful Crock Pot Barley and Black Bean recipe! This Mexican-inspired dish is not only packed with protein and fiber but also comes together in a breeze—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a comforting bowl of goodness that will leave your taste buds dancing and your family asking for seconds. Ready to discover the secrets to this easy and delicious recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup barley
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the barley thoroughly under cold water to remove any dust or debris, then drain well.
- Prepare your vegetables by finely chopping the onion, bell pepper, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- In the crock pot, combine the rinsed barley, drained black beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients, ensuring all components are well-submerged.
- Add cumin, salt, and pepper to the mixture, stirring gently to distribute the spices evenly.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat setting for 6 hours, allowing the barley to absorb the broth and become tender.
- After 6 hours, check the consistency. If the barley is too dry, add a little more vegetable broth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips
- Rinse the Barley: Always rinse your barley under cold water before cooking. This step removes any dust or debris and ensures a cleaner taste.
- Chop Evenly: For even cooking, make sure to chop your vegetables—onion, bell pepper, and garlic—into uniform sizes. This helps them cook evenly and enhances the overall texture of the dish.
- Layer Wisely: When adding ingredients to the crock pot, layer them in the order listed. This helps the barley cook properly and absorb all the delicious flavors from the broth and spices.
- Adjust Consistency: After 6 hours, check the consistency of your dish. If it seems too dry, don't hesitate to add a splash more vegetable broth to achieve your desired texture.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for about 10 minutes after cooking. This waiting period lets the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Garnish for Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, serve your dish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice. These simple additions can elevate your meal and add a refreshing touch.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Make a large batch, and store leftovers in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
