Hearty Beef and Barley Soup Recipe: Comforting, Nutritious, and Easy to Make

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cubed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 4 medium carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, mincined
• 3/4 cup dry red wine
• 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 cup pearl barley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced

Preparation:

This Beef and Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a nourishing meal. Packed with tender beef, hearty barley, and a medley of vegetables, this soup is both satisfying and wholesome. Follow this easy-to-follow recipe to create a bowl of warmth that’s sure to become a family favorite.

1. Sear the Beef: Heat a large heavy pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Sear the beef on all sides until deeply browned, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Set the seared beef aside and add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry red wine, increase the heat to high, and let it reduce by half (about 2 minutes). Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
4. Simmer the Soup: Return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover partially and let it simmer for 45 minutes.
5. Add Barley: Stir in the pearl barley and continue to simmer until tender, about 45-60 minutes. Taste periodically to ensure the barley is cooked to your liking.
6. Finish and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, thin it with water or additional beef broth. Stir in the minced parsley just before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy this hearty, flavorful soup!

This Beef and Barley Soup is not only delicious but also packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. Perfect for meal prep, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Enjoy!