This nutritious soup is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a wholesome dish that brings a family together. Infused with tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, this soup showcases the best of comfort food recipes while packing in essential nutrients.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
8 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 cups water
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and season with salt and pepper. Sear the beef for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the rinsed pearl barley, beef broth, and water. Return the seared beef to the pot, along with the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beef is tender and barley is cooked through. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning as necessary.
