Please be honest… Beef & Barley Soup — Comfort Food Classic…or Old-Fashioned and Boring? Yes or No? 👇

Please be honest… Beef & Barley Soup — Comfort Food Classic…or Old-Fashioned and Boring? Yes or No? 

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
1.5 cups barley, rinsed
8 cups beef broth
1 cup water
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Gotowanie i przepisy

Instructions:

1. Season beef with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove beef and set aside.
3. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
5. Return beef to the pot. Add barley, beef broth, water, and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until beef is tender and barley is cooked through.
7. Remove bay leaf before serving.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1.75 – 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Equipment: Large pot or Dutch oven

Tips:

For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth.
Don’t skip the browning of the beef – it adds depth to the soup.
If the soup becomes too thick, add more beef broth or water.

Variations:

Add potatoes, parsnips, or turnips for a heartier soup.
Include other vegetables like mushrooms or peas.
Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
Use different herbs, such as sage or marjoram.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Add a side salad.
Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika.

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Nutritional information: (per serving – approximate)
Calories: 350-450
Protein: 30-40g
Fat: 8-12g
Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Fiber: 10-15g