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Beef, Barley & Carrot Stew with Hingvastak

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

60 minutes

Serves:

6-8

Best in:

Fall, Winter

Doshas Pacifies

Vata

Gunas

Heavy

Grounding meals play a vital role in balancing Vata dosha, especially during the cold months when the body craves warmth and sustenance. This Beef, Barley & Carrot Stew showcases the digestive-supportive power of Hingvastak, an Ayurvedic spice mix prized for its ability to relieve bloating and enhance gut health. Ghee, used to sauté the spices and aromatics, enriches the stew with healthy fats that encourage nutrient absorption and support a stable energy flow. Beef contributes strength-building protein, while pearl barley adds gentle bulk and a lightly sweet, earthy flavor that harmonizes with the sweet and mildly pungent qualities of carrots. A homemade bone broth base provides essential minerals for deeper nourishment. Taken together, these ingredients create a hearty stew that helps settle the nervous system, maintain internal warmth, and promote well-being throughout the winter season (or any time you need a comforting, grounding meal).

Soup Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons ghee

  • 1 pound stew beef, cut into small pieces

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 2 ribs celery, chopped

  • 4–5 large carrots, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons dried leeks

  • 2 quarts homemade beef bone broth

  • â…” cup pearled barley

  • 2 teaspoons hingvastak

  • Fresh crushed garlic (for topping)

  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Warm the Ghee and Sauté Hingvastak

    • In a large soup pot, heat the ghee over medium heat.

    • Add the hingvastak and sauté briefly to release its aroma and activate its digestive benefits.

  2. Sear the Beef

    • Add the stew beef directly into the pot with the spiced ghee.

    • Cook until browned on all sides.

  3. Add the Vegetables

    • Stir in the onion, celery, carrots, and dried leeks.

    • Sauté everything together for 5–7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and soak up the flavors.

  4. Combine Ingredients

    • Pour in the beef bone broth and stir well to combine.

    • Bring the stew to a gentle boil.

  5. Simmer

    • Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

  6. Add the Barley

    • During the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the pearled barley.

    • Allow it to heat through and absorb the stew’s flavors.

  7. Season

    • Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

  8. Serve

    • Ladle the stew into bowls and top with freshly crushed garlic for added warmth and immune support.

    • Enjoy this hearty, grounding meal as a soothing staple during the colder months—or anytime you need a deeply restorative dish.

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