Description
Hearty beef barley soup combines tender meat, robust vegetables, and pearl barley in a rich, comforting broth. Slow-simmered with herbs and spices, this classic dish promises warmth and satisfaction for hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 cups (1.9 L) beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup (200 g) pearl barley
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Protein Preparation: Season beef chunks with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then sear beef in batches until caramelized, creating a golden-brown exterior. Remove and set aside.
- Vegetable Foundation: In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until translucent. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring continuously to develop a rich flavor base without scorching.
- Liquid Integration: Return seared beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth, pearl barley, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Slow Simmering: Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 75-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing beef to become fork-tender and barley to absorb the savory broth.
- Finishing Touches: Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot for a comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- Optimize Meat Selection: Choose well-marbled beef chuck or short ribs for maximum flavor and tenderness, ensuring meat remains juicy during long cooking process.
- Prevent Burning: Sear beef in batches without overcrowding the pan, maintaining high heat to create deep caramelization without scorching the bottom of cooking vessel.
- Control Liquid Consistency: Monitor liquid levels during simmering, adding extra beef broth if barley absorbs too much liquid, maintaining soup’s desired thickness and preventing dryness.
- Enhance Nutritional Profile: Swap pearl barley with quinoa or brown rice for gluten-free alternative, allowing individuals with dietary restrictions to enjoy the hearty soup without compromising taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg