Description
A comforting and nourishing old-fashioned soup featuring tender beef stew meat, wholesome pearl barley, and a medley of sautéed vegetables, all simmered to perfection in flavorful beef broth and finished with a fresh, bright herby touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- ¾ cup pearl barley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or dill
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown it thoroughly on all sides to develop rich flavor and seal in the juices.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add broth and barley: Stir in the beef broth, pearl barley, bay leaf, and thyme. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked.
- Finish with herbs before serving: Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the fresh chopped parsley or dill to brighten the flavors. Serve the soup hot for a cozy meal.
Notes
- Add a splash of lemon juice just before serving to enhance brightness and acidity.
- This soup freezes well and can be stored for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or add extra barley according to preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Comfort
