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Goose Stew with Barley and Celery Root

This slow-cooked goose stew with barley and celeriac is a sophisticated take on a classic winter warmer. By gently simmering the goose legs until the meat falls away from the bone, you create a rich, savoury base that is perfectly balanced by the earthy sweetness of the root vegetables. The addition of pearled barley provides a wonderful nutty texture, making this a truly satisfying high-protein meal for a cold evening.

A nourishing choice for any Sunday lunch or midweek supper, this recipe celebrate seasonal British produce like celeriac and fresh dill. Using a single casserole dish makes it simple to prepare, allowing the flavours of the mushrooms and marjoram to meld beautifully over time. Serve it with a generous dollop of soured cream to cut through the richness and add a silky finish to every bowl.

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Ingredients for Goose Stew with Barley and Celery Root

  • 8 goose legs (2 to 1.4kg )

  • 3 tablespoons duck fat, lard, or unsalted butter

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 1 large yellow or white onion, sliced

  • 450g small mushrooms (such as yellow foot chanterelle or beech), halved or left whole

  • 2 teaspoons dried marjoram

  • 1675ml Basic Duck Stock or beef stock

  • 240ml pearled barley

  • 130g peeled and sliced carrots

  • 1 celery root, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

  • 4 to 90ml soured cream

Trim the legs of any excess fat. In a Dutch oven or other large, heavy pot with a lid, heat the duck fat over medium-high heat. Add the legs and brown them, salting them as they cook. Take your time to get them well browned. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Add the onion and mushrooms to the pot, turn the heat to high, and stir to combine. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, until the onion begins to brown. Add the marjoram, return the legs to the pot, and then pour in the stock. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2 to 3 hours, until the meat is tender. If a lot of fat begins to accumulate on the surface of the stew, skim it off.

When the goose legs are tender, remove them, let them cool a bit, and then pull all of the meat off the bones. Return the meat to the pot. Add the barley, carrots, and celery root, stir well, and cook for about 30 minutes, until the barley and celery root are tender. Season with salt.

Serve garnished with the dill and a sprinkle of black pepper, and top each bowl with a dollop of soured cream at the table.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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