Warm up your kitchen and your soul with a hearty bowl of Beef Vegetable and Pearl Barley Soup, a classic British dish that promises to be the ultimate comfort food! With tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and nutty pearl barley simmered to perfection, this soup is not just a meal—it's a hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up, this recipe will have your family asking for seconds. Ready to dive into a deliciously satisfying experience? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, cubed
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting beef into 1-inch cubes, dicing carrots and celery into small uniform pieces, chopping onion, and mincing garlic.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return browned beef to the pot, then add diced carrots, celery, pearl barley, beef broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a full boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer gently for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the tenderness of the beef and barley. The meat should be fork-tender, and barley should be soft but still have a slight bite.
- Remove bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for added flavor.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: For the best flavor and tenderness, opt for cuts like chuck or brisket, which become melt-in-your-mouth delicious after slow cooking.
- Brown the Beef Properly: Don’t rush this step! Browning the beef in batches allows it to develop a rich flavor and deep color, enhancing the overall taste of your soup.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: To streamline your cooking process, chop all your vegetables and cube the beef before you start cooking. This way, you can focus on building flavors without interruption.
- Don’t Skip the Bay Leaf: This humble herb adds a depth of flavor that elevates your soup. Just remember to remove it before serving!
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer to allow the barley to absorb more liquid. For a thinner soup, simply add a bit more broth.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme right before serving not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the aroma and taste of your soup.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers for an easy meal throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
