Irish White Bean and Cabbage Stew

Add a smoky flavor by sprinkling on a little hickory salt or Liquid Smoke just before serving.

Ingredients

1 large onion, chopped

3 ribs celery, chopped

2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 head cabbage, chopped

4 carrots, sliced

1 to 1-1/2 pounds potatoes, cut in large dice

1/3 cup pearled barley (optional or substitute with gluten-free grain)

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon thyme

1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds

1/2 teaspoon rosemary, crushed

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

6-8 cups vegetable broth

3 cups cooked great northern beans (2 cans, drained)

1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

salt to taste

Instructions

Crock Pot: Place the vegetables, seasonings, and barley into a large (at least 5 quart) slow cooker. Add enough vegetable broth to just cover the vegetables (start with 6 cups and add more as needed). Cover and cook on low heat for 7 hours. Add beans, tomatoes, parsley, and salt to taste. Check seasonings and add more herbs if necessary. Cover and cook for another hour.

Stovetop: Place vegetables, seasonings, barley, and broth into a large stockpot. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, check seasonings, and add more herbs if necessary. Simmer uncovered for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Cooking time (duration):75 minutes   Number of servings (yield): 6

Makes 6 large servings. Per serving: 254 Calories (kcal); 1g Total Fat; (3% calories from fat); 12g Protein; 52g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 50mg Sodium; 12g Fiber. Weight Watchers Core/ 4 Points.