Beef and Barley Soup Recipe
User Reviews
5
Beef and Barley Soup Recipe
Description
This soup begins by crisping chopped bacon to render flavorful fat, then browning the cubed beef stew meat to develop a deep Maillard crust that enriches the broth. Onions and leeks are then caramelized slowly, adding a sweet, savory base. Garlic is added briefly before returning the meat and bacon to the pot along with diced carrots, celery, parsnip, turnip, bay leaves, and beef stock for simmering.
After the vegetables and meat become tender, pearl barley is introduced and cooked until soft, providing body and thickening to the soup. Fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, and thyme are added towards the end to enhance the aroma and flavor balance without overpowering the dish.
Serving this soup warm provides a hearty option especially suited for cold days. The combination of meat, vegetables, grains, and herbs creates a well-rounded meal on its own. The soup can be made ahead to deepen flavors further, and leftovers store well refrigerated or frozen.
Tips include taking the time to sear the beef thoroughly for maximum flavor and skipping washing barley to maintain soup thickness. When reheating, adding extra liquid may be needed as barley absorbs broth during storage. Fresh herbs can be used at the end, while dried herbs are better incorporated earlier during cooking.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Bacon roughly chopped
- 2 pounds beef stew meat cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil optional
- 2 yellow onion medium-sized, peeled, small diced
- 3 leek white part only, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic finely minced
- 3 carrot peeled, medium diced
- 3 celery medium diced stalks
- 1 parsnip peeled, medium diced
- 1 turnip peeled, medium diced
- 2 bay leaf
- 12 cups beef stock
- 2 cups pearl barley
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon rosemary chopped
- 1 tablespoon thyme chopped
- salt coarse, to taste
- black pepper coarse, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add in the bacon and cook until crisp and brown, which takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the bacon lardons and set aside. Add the cubed beef into the pot, turn the heat up slightly to medium-high, and cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, which takes about 10 minutes.
- Take the beef out and set it to the side.
- If there is not enough rendered bacon or meat fat in the pot, then add in the optional olive oil and over low heat, caramelize the onions and leeks for 30-35 minutes or until they are well browned. Stir occasionally.
- Add in the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes before adding back in the beef, bacon, carrots, celery, parsnips, turnips, bay leaves, and beef stock and cook over low to medium heat for 60 minutes or until the vegetables and beef are tender.
- Pour in the barley, give it a stir, and cook for 30-35 minutes over low to medium heat for 30-35 minutes or until the barley is cooked.
- Finish with herbs, salt, and pepper, and serve.
Notes
- Searing the beef thoroughly to develop a deep brown crust is essential for rich soup flavor.
- The soup can be eaten immediately or prepared 2-3 days ahead to allow flavors to meld further.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 6 days or freeze up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- When reheating, add additional liquid to loosen the soup, as barley thickens it by absorbing broth.
- Washing barley is optional; skipping it helps keep the soup thick and hearty.
- Add dry herbs early in cooking for maximum flavor development; add fresh herbs at the end to retain brightness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 397 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 397kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 39g | 13% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 59mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 671mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 1031mg | 22% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 3076IU | 62% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 82mg | 8% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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