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Hearty Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

Hearty Beef and Barley Soup Recipe
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This Hearty Beef and Barley Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal packed with tender beef chunks, chewy pearled barley, and a medley of wholesome vegetables. Perfect for chilly days, it offers rich, savory flavors and a satisfying texture that makes it an ideal choice for a warming family meal or leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Broth

  • 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 6 cups beef broth (homemade or low-sodium)

Grains

  • 3/4 cup pearled barley

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Flavorings and Herbs

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Cut beef chuck into bite-sized cubes. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven and sear the beef on all sides in batches until browned and caramelized. This process locks in flavor and creates a rich foundation for the soup.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, which deepens the flavor of the soup.
  3. Build the Broth: Return the browned beef to the pot, stir in the tomato paste, and pour in the beef broth. Add fresh thyme and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  4. Add Barley and Simmer: Stir in the pearled barley, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for about 1 hour or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and adjust liquid if needed.
  5. Final Seasoning and Serving: Remove the bay leaves, season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir in fresh parsley. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with optional garnishes.

Notes

  • Brown the Beef Well: Taking the time to sear the beef properly adds crucial depth to the soup flavor.
  • Use Homemade Broth: For a richer taste, use homemade beef broth if possible.
  • Monitor the Barley: Barley absorbs liquid quickly; add extra broth or water during cooking if the soup gets too thick.
  • Simmer Slowly: Low and slow simmering ensures tender beef and perfectly cooked barley.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allow the soup to rest off heat for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef soup, barley soup, hearty soup, comfort food, slow cooker soup, winter recipe

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/hearty-beef-and-barley-soup-recipe/