Ričet

Ričet – hearty Slovenian barley and bean stew
Slovenia
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Ričet is a comforting Slovenian dish made primarily with pearl barley and dried beans, often enriched with smoked pork. This hearty meal is a staple in Slovenian cuisine, particularly during colder months, and is commonly enjoyed as a family dish or at festive gatherings.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~450 kcal / serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 1/2 cup dried beans (such as kidney or pinto beans), soaked overnight and drained
  • 1 lb (450 g) smoked pork ribs or ham hock
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 large potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 6 cups water or vegetable broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Soak the dried beans overnight, then drain and rinse them.

Rinse the pearl barley under cold water.

Cook the Meat and Beans

In a large pot, combine the soaked beans and smoked pork ribs or ham hock.

Add the water or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.

Add the Vegetables and Barley

Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced potato, diced celery, and rinsed barley to the pot.

Stir in the bay leaf, marjoram, and paprika.

Simmer the Ri훾et

Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Cover and let it simmer for another 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the barley and vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Season and Serve

Remove the smoked pork ribs or ham hock from the pot, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bones.

Season the ri훾et with salt and black pepper to taste.

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Ladle the ri훾et into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Enjoy your meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ričet?

Ričet is a traditional Slovenian dish made with pearl barley, dried beans, and meat, typically smoked pork.

Where does Ričet come from?

Ričet originates from Slovenia, where it has been a beloved comfort food for generations.

What are the main ingredients in Ričet?

The key ingredients include pearl barley, dried beans, smoked pork ribs or ham hock, onion, garlic, carrots, potato, and celery.

How long does Ričet take to make?

Ričet takes approximately 130-165 minutes to prepare and cook.

What do you serve with Ričet?

Ričet is often served with crusty bread and a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad.