Hearty Beef Barley Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Goodness
This recipe for beef barley soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a chilly evening or when you're craving a warm, comforting meal. It's packed with flavor, nutritious, and surprisingly easy to make. This SEO-optimized recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious and satisfying bowl of soup every time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables, providing a healthy fat base.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Provides sweetness and a vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Contributes a subtle earthy flavor and texture.
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes: The star of the show! Choose a cut known for its tenderness.
- 8 cups beef broth: Provides the liquid base and rich beefy flavor. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version (though the flavor will be different).
- 1 cup barley: Adds heartiness and texture. Pearl barley cooks quickly and is a great option.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds acidity and a burst of fresh tomato flavor.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Provides an aromatic herbaceous note.
- 1 tsp dried rosemary: Complements the thyme and adds a woodsy fragrance.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds subtle complexity and depth to the flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for a perfect pot of beef barley soup:
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add the beef cubes to the pot and brown on all sides. This step helps to develop a deeper, richer flavor.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Pour in the beef broth, barley, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Remove the bay leaf: Before serving, remove the bay leaf.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, turnips, or green beans.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like parsley or oregano.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Thicken the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked barley against the side of the pot before serving.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
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