Hearty Beef Barley Soup

Description:

This Hearty Beef Barley Soup is a comforting, filling dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender beef, nutritious barley, and a variety of vegetables, it offers a rich, savory flavor that will warm you up from the inside out. The hearty broth and slow-cooked ingredients come together for a satisfying, well-balanced meal.

Origin:

Beef and barley soup is a classic dish with roots in European and American cuisines, known for its warming properties and hearty ingredients. It has been a staple in many cultures for centuries, often considered the perfect winter or comfort food.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 6 cups beef broth (or stock)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for added richness)
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional, for added color and sweetness)

Instructions:

Prepare the Soup:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the carrots and celery, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the tomato paste (if using), and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
5. Add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and barley to the pot. Return the browned beef to the pot and stir to combine.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the barley from sticking.
7. If desired, add the frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and discard the bay leaf before serving.

Tips for Success:

• For more flavor, sear the beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot.
• You can substitute the beef with lamb or chicken if preferred.
• To thicken the soup, allow the barley to cook longer, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water if you like a thicker consistency.
• Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning at the end, especially if using a salty broth.

Recommendations:

• Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• This soup freezes well, so you can make a large batch and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate for 6 servings):

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg

This Hearty Beef Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food, full of flavor and packed with nutrients to keep you satisfied and cozy!