Reviewed: Jan. 13, 2010

I made this recipe with turkey broth I had on hand and my husband and I liked it very much. I like the consistency and serve it as the meal, or as a side dish. I did add additional water only to keep it from burning while keeping it warm in the skillet, used fresh rosemary and added salt and pepper after tasting the finished dish. I did think it needed an additional spice flavor but I wasn't sure what. After reading the reviews I think I will add some oregano or basil next time, or try some cajun seasoning. I plan to include it in the rotation.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
3 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

cookin'gal

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Buffalo, New York, USA

Living In: Syracuse, New York, USA

Reviewed: Dec. 26, 2009

This was delicious! As stated, it is even better the next day so makes for the perfect prepare and take to lunch soup. The most common substitution I make with all soups is to use an herbal tea in place of the broth, a great way to add some nutrients and cut back on sodium.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
6 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

MelissaReNae

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Living In: Laramie, Wyoming, USA

Reviewed: Dec. 20, 2009

Very mild flavor that is best as leftovers. Mine turned out very thick and I ate it with a fork. I'm not sure I would make it again, but possibly.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
2 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

bellydancer

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Living In: Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Reviewed: Dec. 13, 2009

Not bad, not spectacular. This recipe is like an empty canvas, just waiting to be painted. there are so many ways to go. Italian - add oregano and sausage. Spanish - more tomatoes and chilies. Indian - potatoes, peas and curry. Definately use broth, not water. Use this beginning to create your own masterpiece!

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
12 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Chris K

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Salem, Oregon, USA

Living In: Albany, Oregon, USA

Reviewed: Oct. 25, 2009

very good play around with the spices it was a little bland.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
1 user found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Mrs. Bishop

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Reviewed: Oct. 14, 2009

This is a very thick, healthy stew, but it was a bit bland when I made it exactly as written. On the second try, added a vegetable bullion cube, increased the pepper to 1 tsp, and added some salt and pepper. With these additions, it was great.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
2 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Jackie

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Reviewed: Sep. 24, 2009

This stew was very healthy (I substituted pinto for white beans), but it didn't have much flavor. After I added several spices it tasted fine, but the ingredients didn't have any flavor on their own. Also, after being refrigerated for one day, the spinach took on a slimy texture - quite unpleasant. However, it was very filling and not difficult to make.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
1 user found this review helpful

Reviewer:

NMF

Reviewed: Aug. 31, 2009

This recipe was a great start, and then I incorporated other's suggestions: I used 4 cups vegetable broth with the barley; used 2 tsp. olive oil when softening the onions/garlic (added the garlic a little later that the onions), didn't drain the italin diced tomatoes; used a whole bag (9 oz.) of Redipack baby spinach, added about 1 1/2 tsp. of cajun seasoning. It was just the perfect thickness after it finished cooking/sitting. I also made it in the morning and let the flavors meld til dinner. When serving it, I put in on a large flat plate and shaved parmesan cheese over the top. Since it was a warm and sl. spicy dish, I gave each person a cup of watermelon chunks on the side to balance the flavor/texture- a sweet and crunchy side). We also had warm crusty rolls/butter with it. My husband loved it all and had two plates. A great dish that vegetarians will also appreciate!

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
3 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

linny

Reviewed: Apr. 11, 2009

I thought this was fantastic...with some modifications. The barley definitely needs to cook for 45 minutes. I added extra garlic and wine, oregano, basil, more red pepper and a dash of cajun seasoning. I also added a lot of chicken broth to make it more soup like. This was a big hit with the friends I had over.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
11 users found this review helpful