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Ultimate Beef Barley

Ultimate Beef Barley

Discover the Ultimate Beef Barley Soup recipe for a hearty and comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Enjoy rich flavors and easy steps.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup barley pearl barley works well
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained 14.5 oz can
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 leaf bay
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale optional
  • to garnish fresh parsley, chopped optional

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Sturdy wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Pat the beef cubes dry and season them with salt and pepper.
  3. Add beef to the hot pot in a single layer and brown without moving for a few minutes before turning.
  4. Remove browned beef to a plate and set aside.
  5. In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms for about 5 minutes.
  6. Return the browned beef and any juices to the pot.
  7. Stir in the barley, beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
  8. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover slightly ajar to let steam escape.
  9. Let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  10. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning, then discard the bay leaf.
  11. If using greens, stir them in and allow to wilt in the hot soup for about 5 minutes.
  12. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 28gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Don't skip the browning stage; it adds essential flavor. This soup can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in airtight containers for 4-5 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months. To adjust thickness when reheating, add a splash of broth or water. Experiment with vegetable or herb substitutions based on your taste preferences!
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