Beef and Barley Soup is a warm, hearty dish that brings comfort to any meal. It’s perfect for cold days or when you need a boost of flavor and nutrition. This soup combines tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and barley, creating a filling and satisfying meal.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Beef and Barley Soup at home is a great way to use simple ingredients that you likely have on hand. It’s also a cozy dish that can feed the whole family. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also makes your kitchen smell delightful. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy leftovers or upcycle any vegetables lying around.
How to Make Beef and Barley Soup
Making Beef and Barley Soup is a simple process that even beginner cooks can master. Follow these easy steps and enjoy a delicious bowl of soup in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the barley, beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours or until the beef is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Beef and Barley Soup
Serve this soup warm in deep bowls. It goes perfectly with some crusty bread or rolls on the side. You can also sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley on top for a nice pop of color and flavor.
How to Store Beef and Barley Soup
If you have leftover soup, it’s easy to store! Let the soup cool down, then put it in an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for future meals; just make sure to leave some space in the container, as it will expand when frozen.
Tips to Make Beef and Barley Soup
- Make sure to brown the beef well; this step adds a lot of flavor to the soup.
- You can adjust the vegetables based on what you have. Adding potatoes or peas can be a delicious twist.
- For extra depth of flavor, try using homemade beef broth if you have it.
Variation
You can make a lighter version by using chicken instead of beef and swapping in chicken broth. You can also add different herbs like rosemary or basil for a unique flavor.
FAQs
How long does it take to make Beef and Barley Soup? It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to prepare and cook this soup, including browning the meat and simmering the flavors together.
Can I use other types of meat? Yes! You can substitute beef with chicken or even turkey for a different taste.
Is this soup gluten-free? Unfortunately, regular pearl barley contains gluten. You can look for gluten-free grains if you need a gluten-free option.
