Here’s a detailed, step-by-step article for 🥣 Hearty Beef & Barley Soup:

🥣 Hearty Beef & Barley Soup: A Comforting, Nutritious Classic

When the weather turns chilly, few dishes are as comforting as a warm, savory bowl of soup. The Hearty Beef & Barley Soup is a timeless recipe that combines tender chunks of beef, wholesome barley, and a rich vegetable broth, creating a filling meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. Its balanced flavors, nourishing ingredients, and satisfying texture make it a family favorite. Here’s a complete guide on how to make it step by step.

Ingredients

For the soup:

• 1 lb (450 g) beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 cup water
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This ensures they brown nicely rather than steam.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown on all sides, about 4–5 minutes per batch.
4. Remove the beef and set aside. Browning adds deep flavor to the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
2. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and the vegetables soften.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Tip: Don’t skip this step — sautéing the vegetables enhances the overall richness of the soup.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

1. Pour in 1/2 cup of beef broth to the pot.
2. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

1. Return the browned beef to the pot.
2. Add the remaining broth and water, along with the diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
3. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer

1. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially with a lid, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
2. This allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.

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