Rainbow Blog

The Kids Cook Monday!

posted by: Kia

This week I have a treat for you….my friend Kendra has created a Rainbow Stew!!!!  She has had a rainbow chart in her home since we first started selling them so she is used to shopping for, cooking and serving rainbows to her kids!  She didn’t even start out with the intention of making a Rainbow stew but that is what she naturally ended up with, without even trying, this is one of the reasons I have placed her on a fruit and vegetable pedestal

Rainbow Barley Stew

4 cups water

1 cup pearled barley

kosher salt (a pinch here and there)

2 T olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 stalks of celery, diced

4 cloves of garlic, minced

2 cups stewed or crushed tomatoes*

1 cup tomato sauce*

6 cups low sodium chicken broth, or veggie broth

1/4 head purple cabbage, cut into ribbons

pinch crushed red pepper flakes**

1 tsp dried basil**

2 tsp paprika**

1/2 tsp dried thyme**

1/2 tsp ground black pepper**

*we use our homegrown tomatoes that we have canned. You can substitute one medium can of stewed tomatoes and one small can of tomato sauce.

** I am a pinch and dash girl, so these are estimates. Err on the side of caution, taste, and add a bit more if you need it.

In a medium saucepan, bring water (with a pinch of salt) to a boil. Pour in barley, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook on low until water is absorbed. About 45 minutes.

In a separate large stock pot over medium heat, saute onion, carrot, and celery with a pinch of salt until soft. Add in garlic and saute for 2 more minutes, or until garlic is fragrant.

Add in tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, spices, and cabbage…and one more pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer. Simmer until the barley is done. Add the barley to the soup. Stir and simmer (stirring frequently) for 20 more minutes.

Serve with a light sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Thanks Kendra! You can visit Kendra at her site for more fabulous recipes The Queen of Brussels Sprouts

Happy Health Eating,
Kia