Beef Barley Soup

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Beef Barley Soup Recipe

Beef barley soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender beef, nutritious barley, and a medley of vegetables in a savory broth. This classic soup is perfect for chilly days and is packed with flavor and texture. Here’s how to make it from scratch:

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 cup barley (pearl or hulled)
  • 8 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Brown the Beef:
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the beef stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the meat on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set aside.
  1. Sauté Vegetables:
  • In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  1. Build the Soup Base:
  • Add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Stir in the barley and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly.
  1. Add Broth and Tomatoes:
  • Return the browned beef to the pot.
  • Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juice.
  • Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, and soy sauce (if using).
  1. Simmer:
  • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the barley and beef are tender.
  1. Add Peas and Adjust Seasoning:
  • Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  1. Serve:
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
  • Serve hot with crusty bread or rolls.

Tips for Perfect Beef Barley Soup:

  • Use Quality Beef: Choose well-marbled beef stew meat for better flavor and tenderness.
  • Barley Choice: Pearl barley cooks faster and is more common, but hulled barley has more texture and nutrition. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Flavor Development: Letting the soup simmer slowly allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Avoid rushing this process.

Variations:

  • Vegetable Variety: Add other vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or bell peppers for more variety.
  • Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
  • Herb Twist: Experiment with different herbs like sage or basil to change the flavor profile.

This beef barley soup is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy lunch. Its rich flavors and comforting ingredients make it a classic favorite that’s sure to please!

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