Classic Beef Barley Soup – How To Make It

Beef Barley Soup

Here is a classic recipe for beef barley soup that’s perfect for a comforting meal

Ingredients:

• 1 -2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 to 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces (beef chuck roast cubed)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups beef broth/2 cupwater(depending on how thick you want the soup)
• 1 can diced tomatoes with juice (14.5 oz)
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Additional salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Method:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, about 3-4 minutes, then remove it from the pot and set aside.

• In the same pot, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the beef broth and stir, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
• Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the pearl barley, thyme, diced tomatoes, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with a bit more salt and pepper.
• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 – 11/2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
• After 1 hour, check the barley for doneness. If the barley is tender and the beef is cooked through, the soup is ready. If not, continue to simmer, checking every 15 minutes for doneness.
• Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and make any final seasoning adjustments as needed.

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread on the side if desired.

This beef barley soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for a chilly day! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices.

Enjoy your homemade beef barley soup! Remember, like many soups and stews, this one can taste even better the next day after the flavors have melded together in the refrigerator overnight.

Perfect lunch for a cold falls day served your favourite salad.

Enjoy!

BB