Description
Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
Ingredients
1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup pearl barley
6 cups beef broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Sear beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, then sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
Add broth and barley: Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, and pearl barley. Return beef to the pot.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and barley is cooked.
Season and serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 6
Calories: 320 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof soup. First, ensure your beef stew meat is patted dry with paper towels; this is crucial for a proper sear. Heat the olive oil in your large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot until shimmering. Sear the beef in a single layer, working in batches if needed, to develop a deep brown crust. Do not rush this step. After removing the beef, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften and caramelize slightly, then add the garlic for the final minute. Deglaze the pot with a splash of the beef broth, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. This is where the foundation of your soup’s flavor is built.
Serving Suggestions
This robust soup is a meal in itself but can be elevated with simple accompaniments. Serve it in deep, pre-warmed bowls alongside a thick slice of crusty, buttered sourdough bread for dipping. For a lighter option, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A dollop of horseradish cream or sour cream on top adds a delightful zing. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
How-to Summary
In summary, create this soup by: 1) Searing seasoned beef for maximum flavor. 2) Sautéing aromatic vegetables in the same pot. 3) Combining everything with broth, barley, tomatoes, and herbs. 4) Simmering gently until the beef is fork-tender and the barley is plump. 5) Finishing with fresh parsley and final seasoning adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, chuck roast cut into cubes is perfect. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, as they can become tough during the long simmer.
How can I make this soup in a slow cooker? After searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
Is pearl barley gluten-free? No, barley contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, substitute with an equal amount of rinsed brown rice or quinoa, adjusting the cook time as needed.
Why is my barley soup too thick? Barley continues to absorb liquid. Simply stir in additional broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Can I freeze this soup? Yes, but note that the barley’s texture may become softer upon thawing. Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcrowding the pot when searing the beef, as this steams the meat instead of browning it. Do not skip the step of deglazing the pot after sautéing the vegetables; those browned bits are packed with flavor. Resist the urge to rapidly boil the soup after adding the barley; a gentle simmer is key to tender beef and perfectly cooked grains. Finally, do not add salt at the beginning without tasting at the end, as the broth and tomatoes can vary in saltiness.
Conclusion
This Hearty Beef and Barley Soup is the epitome of comfort food, transforming simple, wholesome ingredients into a nourishing and deeply satisfying meal. Its rich flavors and tender textures make it a timeless recipe perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a bowl of warmth. Mastering the techniques of proper searing and patient simmering will yield incredible results every time. We hope this enhanced guide helps you create a perfect pot of soup to share and enjoy.