Hearty Vegetable Beef Barley Soup: A Recipe for Warm Days

Looking for a warming, comforting soup that's both healthy and hearty? Look no further! This Vegetable Beef Barley Soup is a wonderful blend of beef, barley, and a medley of vegetables, making it a perfect addition to your menu on cold winter nights or any day when you're craving something substantial yet nourishing.

Ingredients

1 lb (about 450g) beef stew meat, cubed 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed 1 large onion, diced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 celery stalks, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 8 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version) 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 bay leaf Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil for cooking (optional) Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften. Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the browned beef cubes back to the pot. Add the rinsed pearl barley, diced tomatoes with their juice, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well, cover the pot, and let it simmer on low to medium-low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the soup becomes too thick, you can add more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the Vegetable Beef Barley Soup hot and enjoy!

Why This Soup is a Must-Try

This soup is not only delicious but also highly versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand or customize it to your taste. The combination of beef and barley makes it a complete meal, providing a balance of protein and carbohydrates. The addition of thyme and rosemary enhances the flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.

Healthy and Comforting

Vegetable Beef Barley Soup is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a nutritious and comforting meal. The barley is a great source of fiber, which helps keep you feeling full, while the beef provides essential nutrients like iron and protein. This soup is versatile, making it easy to adapt to various dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or gluten-free.

Whether you're serving it as a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting potluck dish, this Vegetable Beef Barley Soup is sure to become a beloved family favorite.