Easy Split Pea and Barley Stew

Warm, hearty, and packed with plant-based goodness, this Easy Split Pea and Barley Stew is the ultimate comfort food for any season. Featuring a savory blend of tender split peas, nutty pearled barley, and a medley of onions, carrots, and celery, this one-pot recipe delivers a healthy, fiber-rich meal that's both satisfying and simple to make. Seasoned with aromatic thyme and a hint of garlic, this stew comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Serve it piping hot with a garnish of fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread for a wholesome, nourishing dinner that the whole family will love. Vegan, budget-friendly, and freezer-friendly, this recipe is perfect for meal prep and cozy nights in!

Nutriscore Rating: 84/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dried split peas, rinsed
• 0.5 cup pearled barley, rinsed
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves (dried or fresh)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed split peas, pearled barley, vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Increase the heat to high and bring the stew to a boil.

Step 6

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the stew simmer for 50-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Check the split peas and barley for tenderness. If needed, simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. Add more broth or water if the stew becomes too thick.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Step 9

Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if using. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2791 grams (2791.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1994

Total Fat 48.40g	62%
Saturated Fat 8.50g	43%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.40g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 7195mg	313%
Total Carbohydrate 315.90g	115%
Dietary Fiber 89.90g	321%
Total Sugars 64.10g
Protein 91.70g	183%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 618mg	48%
Iron 22mg	122%
Potassium 7053mg	150%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.1%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 61.2%