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Let me share my go-to comfort food for chilly evenings. This rustic beef and barley soup never fails to warm me up from inside out. Rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, every spoonful feels like a hug in a bowl. I've perfected this recipe over years, tweaking ingredients until achieving perfect balance. Tender chunks of beef, chewy barley, and colorful veggies swim in savory broth, creating a satisfying meal that'll have you reaching for seconds. Trust me, once you try this, you'll be craving it all winter long.
Ingredients for Rustic Beef and Barley Soup
- Stewing beef: Tenderizes during cooking, adds rich flavor, and creates a hearty base for the soup.
- Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the broth, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the soup.
- Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and color, adding a subtle earthy flavor and texture to the soup.
- Celery: Adds a savory note and crunch to the soup, enhancing the overall texture and flavor complexity.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with a robust aroma and flavor, elevating the taste profile of the dish.
- Pearl barley: Adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture, thickening the soup and providing a hearty, satisfying element.
- Beef broth: Forms the flavorful base of the soup, infusing it with rich umami notes and enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
- Dried thyme: Adds a warm, herbaceous flavor to the soup, complementing the beef and vegetables with its aromatic profile.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbaceous note, adding a pop of color and freshness to the finished soup.
Essential Tools for Making This Hearty Soup
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup and allowing all ingredients to simmer together.
- Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients for the soup.
Rustic Beef and Barley Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb stewing beef cubed
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the beef over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the barley, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until beef is tender.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes:
Nutrition value:
Keywords:
Tips for Making Rustic Beef and Barley Soup Ahead of Time
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the soup as directed, but do not add the barley.
- Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- When ready to serve, reheat the soup, add the barley, and simmer until the barley is cooked.
Freezing Instructions
- Prepare the soup without adding the barley.
- Allow the soup to cool completely.
- Transfer the soup to a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some room for expansion.
- Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To serve, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop, add the barley, and simmer until the barley is cooked.
One interesting fact about this rustic beef and barley soup recipe is that adding a splash of balsamic vinegar towards the end of cooking can enhance the depth of flavor and add a subtle sweetness to the broth. It's a simple trick that can really elevate the taste of the soup!
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