Beef barley soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Here’s a simple recipe for making delicious beef barley soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides. This adds flavor to the soup.
- Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Barley and Broth:
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add rinsed pearl barley, beef broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.
4. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
5. Serve:
- Ladle the beef barley soup into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy!
This beef barley soup is not only delicious but also filling and nutritious. The combination of tender beef, hearty barley, and flavorful vegetables makes it a satisfying meal. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like peas or green beans if you prefer.
