Description
Beef Barley Soup is a hearty, comforting dish filled with tender beef, wholesome barley, and a mix of vegetables. It’s perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the barley, beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Return the beef to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the barley and beef are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute the beef stew meat with ground beef for a different texture.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more barley or let the soup simmer for longer.
- For a richer flavor, use beef stock instead of broth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.