Cozy up with a warm and hearty bowl of vegetable beef barley soup. This classic comfort food is perfect for a chilly evening, and it’s packed with flavorful vegetables, tender beef, and chewy barley. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through every step.
The secret to a delicious vegetable beef barley soup lies in using fresh, quality ingredients. Start with a hearty beef broth as the base, and add a medley of vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. The addition of barley gives the soup a satisfying texture and a boost of fiber.
How To Make Vegetable Beef Barley Soup
With just a few simple steps, you can create a pot of savory vegetable beef barley soup that will warm you up from the inside out. Gather your ingredients and equipment, and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 1 cup chopped potatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Equipments:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the beef stew meat in batches, removing them from the pot as they brown.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and add the beef broth, pearl barley, potatoes, frozen peas, thyme, and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
- Check the soup and add more liquid if needed. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Continue simmering for another 30-45 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Tips or Possible Variation of Vegetable Beef Barley Soup
Enhance the flavor of your vegetable beef barley soup by adding a bay leaf or two during the cooking process. For a richer flavor, use red wine instead of beef broth or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
If you don’t have time to simmer the soup for an hour, you can cook it for a shorter period of time. However, the longer cooking time allows the flavors to develop and deepen.
Feel free to customize the soup by adding different vegetables, such as green beans, corn, or mushrooms. You can also use ground beef instead of cubed stew meat.
Vegetable beef barley soup is a versatile dish that you can enjoy in different ways. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying meal. It also freezes well, so you can make a large batch and freeze it in portions for easy meals later on.
