Beef Barley Soup is a hearty and nourishing dish that warms you from the inside out. With its tender pieces of beef, wholesome vegetables, and chewy barley, this soup is both comforting and satisfying. Ideal for cold days, it’s a classic recipe that feeds the soul and is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Why We Love This Beef Barley Soup Recipe
This Beef Barley Soup stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. The combination of rich beef broth, wholesome veggies, and the nutty flavor of barley creates a symphony of tastes and textures in every spoonful. Additionally, this soup is highly versatile; you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings according to your palate. Plus, it’s a wonderful meal prep option, as it tastes even better the next day. It’s a delightful way to nourish your body and soul all while creating lasting memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients about Beef Barley Soup
When preparing your Beef Barley Soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups (2 L) beef broth or stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 bay leaf
- ¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 cup diced potatoes (optional, for a heartier soup)
- 1 cup frozen or fresh peas (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Beef Barley Soup Directions
Begin your culinary adventure by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat. Ensure that you brown the cubes thoroughly for about 4 to 5 minutes, until they have a delightful color on all sides. Once done, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
Next, using the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes until they start to soften—taking in the wonderful aromas. After the vegetables have softened, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute to let the flavors meld.
Now, it’s time to deglaze the pot. Pour in a little of the beef broth, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Return the browned beef to the pot, along with the remaining beef broth. Add in the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Turn the heat to high, bringing everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes.
After the initial simmer, stir in the rinsed pearl barley and diced potatoes if you choose to enhance the soup’s heartiness. Continue simmering uncovered for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the barley becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning according to your taste. If you’re adding peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Finally, garnish your robust Beef Barley Soup with freshly chopped parsley before ladling it into bowls to serve.
How to Serve Beef Barley Soup
Serving this delightful Beef Barley Soup is just as enjoyable as making it. Begin by ladling generous portions into deep soup bowls, allowing the inviting aromas to waft up as you serve. You can enhance each bowl with additional garnishes, such as a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a dash of black pepper for those who enjoy a little extra heat.
Pair your hearty soup with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the rich broth, making it a complete meal. Offer sides of freshly made salads or sandwiches for those who crave a light touch alongside the main dish. As you serve this soup, ensure that everyone has a spoon ready. The moment they take that first bite, they’ll be embraced by warmth and flavor that will surely prompt smiles all around the table.
Expert Tips: Beef Barley Soup
Creating the perfect Beef Barley Soup can be even simpler with a few expert tips. First, when selecting your beef, opt for stew meat with a good amount of marbling for tenderness. If you have time, consider marinating the beef overnight in your favorite herbs and spices for added flavor.
For those who like to maximize flavor, feel free to sauté the beef before adding it to the soup pot to develop a richer taste profile. You can also experiment with different vegetables based on what you have on hand or the season. Adding ingredients like corn or green beans can provide color and variety to your soup.
Keep in mind that the texture of the soup is often improved by allowing it to sit after cooking. If possible, let the soup cool and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight; this resting time helps the flavors deepen. Finally, never overlook the importance of seasoning. Taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and spices accordingly to your preference. Your taste buds will thank you!
How to Store Beef Barley Soup
To store your delicious Beef Barley Soup, allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Pour the soup into airtight containers, ensuring that you leave a little space at the top, as the soup may expand when frozen. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a great option for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners.
If you want to save it for a longer period, consider freezing. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Always give it a stir to ensure even heating and add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened during storage.
Variation of Beef Barley Soup
While this Beef Barley Soup recipe is fantastic as it is, you might want to experiment with variations that suit your tastes. One popular twist is adding mushrooms for an earthy depth or even spinach for a nutritious boost. Additionally, you can try using different grains like brown rice or quinoa if you prefer something other than barley.
Another variation is to enhance the spice level. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can transform this comforting soup into something with a warm kick. Depending on your mood, feel free to add herbs such as rosemary or oregano to lend further complexity to the dish. If you’re vegetarian or looking to cut down on red meat, consider substituting beef with a medley of hearty vegetables and vegetable broth, keeping the barley for that satisfying chew.
FAQ
What is Beef Barley Soup?
Beef Barley Soup is a classic comfort dish made with tender chunks of beef, barley, vegetables, and a rich broth. It’s a filling and nutritious meal perfect for cold weather.
How long does it take to make Beef Barley Soup?
The total cooking time for Beef Barley Soup is about one and a half hours, including browning the beef and simmering the ingredients together.
Can I freeze Beef Barley Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Beef Barley Soup. It stores well in airtight containers and can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
What can I substitute for barley in the soup?
If you’re looking for alternatives to barley, consider using brown rice, quinoa, or even farro for a different texture and flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to the Beef Barley Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add vegetables like mushrooms, corn, or spinach to enhance the flavors and nutrition of your Beef Barley Soup.
Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 8 cups beef broth or stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- ¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 cup diced potatoes (optional) for a heartier soup
- 1 cup frozen or fresh peas (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef stew meat and brown thoroughly for about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute.
Cooking
- Deglaze the pot with a little beef broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Return the browned beef to the pot, add remaining broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes.
- Stir in rinsed pearl barley and diced potatoes; simmer uncovered for an additional 25 to 30 minutes.
Serving
- Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and add peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
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