Lunch: Slow-Cooker Hearty Beef and Barley Stew

Somehow barley makes every stew better, and it's the same with this satisfying blend of beef, vegetables, and simple seasonings.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Barley

Health benefits of Slow-Cooker Hearty Beef and Barley Stew

Barley is about the best grain a woman with PCOS can eat. It is low in calories and has the lowest GI of all grains. Low-GI grains such as barley take much longer to digest and create a slow, steady rise in blood glucose and insulin levels. As mentioned before on Fertility Chef, low-GI foods reduce cravings. If possible, try and find hulled barley as it is the most nutrient dense of all types of barley.

Ingredients

1 lb. boneless beef round steak (1/2 inch thick), trimmed of fat, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
2 cups frozen cut green beans
1 cup shredded carrots (1 to 2 medium)
1/2 cup uncooked regular pearl barley
1 (4.5-oz.) jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1 (12-oz.) jar mushroom gravy
2 1/2 cups water
2 teaspoons beef-flavor instant bouillon
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

In 3 1/2 or 4-quart slow cooker, combine all ingredients; mix well.
Cover; cook on Low setting for 10 to 12 hours.

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