Beef Barley Soup
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender beef, nutty barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables, perfect for chilly days or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat Look for well-marbled cuts for the best flavor and tenderness. Grass-fed beef works nicely if you can find it.
- 1 cup barley Opt for pearl barley for its chewy texture and nutty taste.
- 4 cups beef broth Homemade is preferable, but good brands are available for quick alternatives.
- 1 onion, chopped Sweet onions add a lovely depth.
- 2 carrots, sliced Fresh ones will bring a nice sweetness.
- 2 celery stalks, diced Provides a crunchy texture and a hint of earthiness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme This herb enhances the savory profile of the soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste Essential for balancing flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin is recommended for better flavor.
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Add the beef stew meat, cooking until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pot; if necessary, do this in two batches.
- Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, continuing to cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the barley, beef broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a rolling boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until both the beef and barley are tender. Stir occasionally and adjust the seasoning as desired.
- Once ready, ladle it into bowls, savoring the rich heartiness of your Beef Barley Soup!
Notes
This soup keeps well in the fridge and freezes beautifully. Feel free to customize the ingredients according to your preference. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.