Description
Warm comfort flows through this hearty Beef Barley Soup, bringing robust flavors from tender meat and earthy grains. Simmered with care, each spoonful delivers rich, wholesome goodness that connects you directly to classic home cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 lb (454 g) beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Liquid and Grains:
- 8 cups (1.9 liters) beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup (172 g) pearl barley
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown beef stew meat in olive oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, ensuring meat develops a rich golden crust on all surfaces.
- Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Incorporate chopped carrots and celery, stirring continuously for 5 minutes to develop subtle vegetable flavors and maintain their crisp texture.
- Pour in pearl barley, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and season with bay leaf, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 45 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
- During final 10 minutes of cooking, fold in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt and integrate seamlessly into the soup’s robust profile.
- Discard bay leaf and taste the soup, adjusting seasonings to enhance depth and balance of flavors.
- Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
Notes
- Trim excess fat from beef to reduce greasiness and enhance lean protein content.
- Choose low-sodium beef broth for better control of salt intake and heart-healthy cooking.
- Use pearl barley varieties with shorter cooking times to maintain consistent texture and prevent overcooking.
- Substitute beef with plant-based protein like mushrooms or lentils for vegetarian adaptation, ensuring similar hearty consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 62 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg