Description
Hearty Beef and Barley Soup combines robust flavors from tender meat and nutty grains in a rich, comforting broth. Home cooks can savor this classic recipe that warms both body and soul with its satisfying ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup water
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- ¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Meat Searing: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season beef cuts and sear in batches, creating a caramelized exterior by rotating pieces for uniform browning. Transfer seared meat to a separate plate.
- Vegetable Foundation: In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Liquid Integration: Return seared beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth, tomatoes, and barley. Introduce bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmering Process: Bring to a robust boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and allow ingredients to meld and tenderize for 35-45 minutes, periodically checking meat’s tenderness and soup’s consistency.
- Finishing Touches: Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If needed, continue simmering to achieve desired meat tenderness and soup thickness.
- Serving: Ladle into warm bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve alongside rustic bread or crisp crackers for a complete, warming meal.
Notes
- Meat Browning Technique: Ensure high heat and dry meat surface for perfect caramelization, which builds deep flavor foundation and prevents steaming instead of searing.
- Vegetable Softening Strategy: Cook onions, carrots, and celery slowly to release natural sugars and create rich aromatic base without burning or overcooking.
- Barley Hydration Tip: Add barley gradually and monitor liquid levels, as it absorbs significant moisture during cooking and can transform soup’s consistency quickly.
- Herb Infusion Trick: Remove whole bay leaves before serving to prevent bitter taste and potential choking hazard, while allowing herbs to fully distribute their essence during simmering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg