Vegetarian Slow Cooker Mushroom Barley White Bean Stew

     I love using my slow cooker for making meals. I just put the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning and walk away. I have a wonderful meal ready for dinner, which is great on busy nights. This vegetarian stew is very flavorful and satisfying. It also is loaded with protein and fiber. My meat eating husband enjoyed this one. Pair this stew with a salad and bread for a healthy meal the whole family will enjoy.

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Mushroom Barley White Bean Stew

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

1 medium-size onion, chopped

             1 cup barley                             

    8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced

6 cups vegetable broth

2 cups cooked white beans

1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme

1 teaspoon black pepper

1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until lightly brown, about 5 minutes.

2. Place all the remaining ingredients in a 4-6 quart slow cooker crock. Cover the crock with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Add 2 cups more broth to make a soup.

Serves 4 to 6

What meals do you enjoy making in your slow cooker?