Luscious Lentil Stew with Barley

You won’t miss having a meat entrée with this hearty stew. This is one of those one-pot meal dishes that looks after itself while it cooks, so you can be busy with other things. The result is a wonderful, earthy flavour in a satisfying stew. The only side you’ll need is garlic bread or cornbread. A nice cabernet sauvignon or pinot noir complements this meal well.

Ingredients:

• 30 g (1 oz) dried shiitake mushrooms, cut into pieces
• 2 cups fresh button mushrooms, sliced
• 1litre (32 fl oz) vegetable broth
• ¾ cup uncooked pearl barley
• ¾ cup dry lentils
• ¼ cup dried onion flakes
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons dried summer savory
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• salt to taste

Steps:

1. Place all ingredients into slow cooker, and blend briefly.
2. Cover and cook: 12 hours on Low setting, 6 hours on High.
3. Remove bay leaves before serving.

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