Chef John's Beef and Barley Stew Hearty Beef and Barley Stew with Root Vegetables and Herbs Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 carrots, sliced 2 stalks celery, sliced 1 parsnip or turnip, peeled and diced (optional) 1 cup pearl barley 8 cups beef broth 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 bay leaf Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Directions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, then set aside. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more to deepen the flavor. Return the beef to the pot along with carrots, celery, parsnip (if using), barley, thyme, bay leaf, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Discard the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings #beefandbarleystew #heartymeals #comfortfood #soulfood #chefjohnrecipe #winterwarmers #onepotmeal #stewseason #wholesomecooking #classicrecipes #barleydishes #slowcookedbeef #dutchovenrecipes #homemadestew #rootvegetables #herbandbeef #heartyrecipes #simmeredgoodness #beefstewlove #familydinners Nothing warms the soul like a steaming bowl of Beef and Barley Stew! This Chef John classic is rich, rustic, and full of deep flavor.

Teriyaki Marinade and Sauce Sweet and Savory Homemade Teriyaki Marinade & Glaze Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 2 tablespoons mirin (or substitute with dry sherry) 1 tablespoon sesame oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons water Directions: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sugar to fully dissolve. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens—about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Use as a marinade or brush over grilled meats, tofu, or vegetables. Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes Kcal: 90 kcal per 2 tbsp | Servings: Makes about 1 cup #teriyakisauce #homemadetakeout #asianflavors #easyteriyaki #homemadesauces #japaneseinspired #teriyakimarinade #sweetandsavory #quickrecipes #mealprepideas #saucerecipe #stirfrygoals #garlicandginger #saucemagic #homemadeglaze #soybasedsauce #umamirich #flavorboost #cookfromscratch #kitchenessentials Make your meals sing with this homemade teriyaki sauce! Perfect for marinating, glazing, or dipping—this sweet and savory blend is your new secret weapon!

Virgin Mary Smoothie Zesty Tomato & Veggie Virgin Mary Smoothie Ingredients: 2 cups tomato juice (low-sodium preferred) 1 stalk celery, chopped 1/2 cucumber, peeled and sliced 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped Juice of 1/2 lemon 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (or to taste) 1/4 teaspoon celery salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Dash of smoked paprika (optional) Ice cubes (as needed) Celery stick or cucumber spear, for garnish Directions: In a high-speed blender, combine tomato juice, celery, cucumber, bell pepper, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt, black pepper, and paprika. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Add a few ice cubes and blend again if you prefer a chilled smoothie. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a celery stick or cucumber spear. Serve immediately for a refreshing, non-alcoholic take on the classic Bloody Mary. Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes Kcal: 70 kcal | Servings: 2 servings #virginmary #tomatojuice #smoothierecipes #healthydrinks #mocktails #vegetablesmoothie #veganrecipes #glutenfree #plantbaseddrinks #detoxsmoothie #morningboost #noalcoholneeded #refreshingdrink #coldpressedjuice #easyrecipes #wellnessdrink #brunchrecipes #spicyrecipes #cleaneating #vitaminboost Start your day with a kick! This Virgin Mary Smoothie is a bold, savory blend of veggies and spices that’s perfect for brunch or a midday pick-me-up!

California Grilled Veggie and Pesto Pasta Charred Summer Veggie Pasta with Fresh Basil Pesto Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (farfalle, penne, or rotini) 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds 1 yellow squash, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red onion, sliced into rings 1 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Optional: pine nuts and fresh basil for garnish Directions: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Toss zucchini, squash, bell pepper, and red onion in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill 3–4 minutes per side until charred and tender. Cut grilled vegetables into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, grilled vegetables, and cherry tomatoes. Toss with pesto until evenly coated. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with pine nuts and fresh basil, if using. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled as a pasta salad. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #grilledveggies #vegetarianpasta #pestopasta #summerdinners #californiacooking #freshflavors #veggiepasta #basilpesto #easyvegetariandinner #chargrilledveggies #pastaideas #meatlessmeal #colorfulplate #mediterraneanpasta #healthycomfortfood #pastaandveggies #plantbaseddinner #homemadepesto #pastaart #seasonaleating So fresh, so grilled, so California This Grilled Veggie & Pesto Pasta is bursting with color, flavor, and feel-good vibes.

Tomato and Rice Soup Hearty Tomato and Rice Soup with Herbs and Garlic Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 carrot, diced 1 celery stalk, diced 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes 4 cups vegetable broth 3/4 cup white rice (or brown rice) Salt and pepper to taste Fresh parsley or basil for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Directions: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are softened. Add garlic, oregano, basil, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #tomatoricesoup #souprecipes #comfortfood #vegetariansoup #easydinners #riceinbroth #heartymeals #souplover #tomatolovers #homecooking #herbalsoup #weeknightrecipes #souprecipeideas #veggiesoup #souphacks #plantbasedsoups #familydinners #ricebasedsoup #soupseason #simpleingredients A warm bowl of Tomato and Rice Soup is all you need on a chilly day. Comforting, herby, and hearty with just the right balance of flavors.