Description
A hearty and nutritious Beef and Barley Soup featuring tender beef stew meat, wholesome pearl barley, and fresh vegetables simmered in savory beef broth. This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy meal and packed with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oil
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids and Grains
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup pearl barley
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes to develop rich flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté the mixture for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Broth and Barley: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir in the pearl barley, dried thyme, and bay leaf to infuse flavor.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the barley is tender and the flavors meld together.
- Finish with Greens and Seasoning: Season the soup with salt and pepper to your preference. Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook just until the greens wilt, adding freshness and color.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf before ladling the soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of herbaceous brightness.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can increase the barley slightly or add a small amount of potato.
- Be sure to brown the beef well to develop a deep, savory base flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute kale with spinach or other leafy greens.
- This soup freezes well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
- Adjust salt carefully if using low-sodium beef broth.
