Beef Barley Soup

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!