# Hearty Beef and Barley Soup Recipe
## Introduction
Looking for a recipe that brings warmth and comfort on a cold day? The Hearty Beef and Barley Soup is your perfect companion. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients, filled with savory flavors, and easy to make. It’s not just a soup, it’s a bowl of comfort.
## Why Make This Recipe
Having a long stressful day? Nothing will comfort you better than a bowl of this hearty soup. Moreover, it’s a balanced meal loaded with protein from beef and fibers from vegetables and barley. The best part is its flexibility, you can add additional vegetables of your choice and you have your delicious meal ready.
## How to Make Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
### Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this comforting soup:
– 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 cups beef broth
– 2/3 cup pearl barley
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 2 bay leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
### Directions
Follow these straightforward steps to make your soup:
1. Over medium heat, warm the olive oil in a large pot and add the beef cubes, browning them on all sides. Set the browned beef cubes aside.
2. Using the same pot, put in the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic and sauté. Continue this process until the vegetables soften, which should take around 5 minutes.
3. Mix the beef back into the pot, add the beef broth, barley, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to boil, then reduce the heat and leave it to simmer for 1.5 hours until the beef and barley are tender.
5. If desired, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Be sure to remove the bay leaves before serving.
6. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
## How to Serve Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
A bowl of Hearty Beef and Barley Soup is best served hot, garnished with parsley and a side of your favorite bread to complete a satisfying meal. The robust flavors of this soup pair well with a crusty baguette or a slice of garlic bread.
## How to Store Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for 3 to 4 days. For a longer-term storage, this soup freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a soup pot over medium heat.
## Tips to Make Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
Make sure to brown the beef cubes properly as this adds depth and richness to your soup. Also, don’t skip the simmering step. Slow simmering helps to tenderize the meat and meld the flavors together. Finally, taste and adjust seasonings just before serving for the best flavor.
## Variations
If you like to experiment with flavors, try adding additional vegetables such as peas or mushrooms. Vegetarians can replace beef with meaty mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
## FAQs
**1. Can I use other types of meat in this soup?**
Yes, you can substitute beef with lamb or chicken, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
**2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?**
Absolutely. You have to brown the meat on the stove and then transfer it along with the other ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
**3. Can I use other grains instead of barley?**
Yes, you can use grains like quinoa or brown rice in place of barley. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the grain used.