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Beef and Barley Soup

Beef and Barley Soup
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Warm up your evenings with this savory Beef and Barley Soup, featuring tender beef, wholesome pearl barley, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This comforting and hearty soup is nutritious and filling, perfect for chilly nights and easy enough for meal prep. With customizable flavors and a rich, satisfying broth, it’s an all-time favorite for cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Broth

  • 1 lb beef chuck or stew meat, cut into chunks
  • 6 cups beef broth

Grains

  • 3/4 cup pearl barley

Vegetables

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

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef chunks in batches, browning on all sides until deeply caramelized. Remove browned beef and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute to release aroma.
  3. Deglaze and Add Broth: Pour a splash of beef broth or water into the pot to scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Add remaining beef broth, browned beef, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves.
  4. Simmer with Barley: Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low. Add pearl barley, cover the pot, and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and barley is chewy.
  5. Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle hot soup into bowls and enjoy.

Notes

  • Brown in batches: Avoid overcrowding to ensure a proper sear.
  • Don’t skip deglazing: It adds depth and flavor to the broth.
  • Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves enhance the aroma.
  • Adjust barley cooking time: Taste as you go depending on barley type.
  • Rest before serving: Let soup sit for a few minutes to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef soup, barley soup, hearty soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, meal prep soup, nutritious soup

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/beef-and-barley-soup/