Hearty Beef and Barley Soup: A Wholesome Meal in Its Own Right
Time needed: 2 hours
Looking for a comforting and filling soup recipe? Look no further! This hearty beef and barley soup with its earthy flavors, chunks of succulent beef, and satisfying barley is sure to indulge your taste buds.
Why Make Hearty Beef and Barley Soup?
Not only is this beef and barley soup amazingly delicious, it is also wonderfully satisfying. Plus, it is packed with lean protein from the beef, plenty of fiber from the barley, and a decent serving of veggies. It also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep!
How to Make Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 carrots, sliced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 8 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 3/4 cup pearl barley
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
1. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot on medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for around 5 minutes, until they soften.
3. Now, return the beef to the pot, and stir in beef broth, tomatoes, barley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Allow the mixture to boil. Afterward, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 and 1/2 hours.
5. Finally, stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
How to Serve Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
Serve this hearty soup with a slice of crusty bread for a meal that is at once comforting and hearty.
How to Store Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
You can store the soup in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It will last for about 3-4 days. Alternatively, it can be frozen for future meals. Just remember to allow it to cool before storing.
Tips to Make Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
Add a dollop of sour cream to each bowl before serving for added creaminess. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used as a substitute.
Variation
If you want to add a little extra savor, throw in a few mushrooms while sautéing the vegetables.
FAQs About Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
Q1. Can this soup be made vegetarian?
A1. For a vegetarian version, remove the beef and use vegetable broth. You can also add more veggies like peas or green beans for added texture.
Q2. I don’t like barley. What can I use instead?
A2. You can easily substitute the barley with other grains like brown rice or farro.
Q3. What can I substitute for beef stew meat?
A3. If you don’t have beef stew meat, you can substitute it with ground beef or even diced chicken.
This hearty beef and barley soup is everything you didn’t know you were craving. The perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, it’s a must-try recipe for everyone!