Beef Barley - A Hearty Broth Soup
For this beef barley soup recipe, we braise beef chuck until it is fork tender, then the barley and vegetables are cooked and finally, the ingredients are combined and seasoned to finish the soup.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into ¼ inch size
- 1 inch sliced beef shank
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups beef stock
- 1 pound tomatoes, cut into ¼ inch pieces
- 2 small bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dry thyme
- 1 teaspoon dry basil
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 1/4 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil and butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add the stew meat and sauté until beef is dark brown for about 8 minutes. Transfer beef to a plate. Add onion, celery, carrot and garlic to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes. Add the water, beef broth, tomatoes with juices, bay leaves, thyme and basil. Add the beef shank and bring to a boil on high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until beef is almost tender for about 1 hour.
- Add the barley and corn kernel and simmer until the beef is tender for about 30 minutes longer. Add the peas and seasoning to taste.
- You could also make this soup using beef short ribs the same way as this recipe for beef noodle soup. What's important, though, is to cook the barley separately. The beef needs to braise for quite a while and the barley would become too soggy if cooked for that long.
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Cooking Tips for Beef Barley Broth Soup
Beef Barley Broth Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that warms you from the inside out. Here are some essential cooking tips to perfect your broth:
- Choose Quality Beef: Use well-marbled beef chuck or shank for a rich flavor. The fat will render down, adding depth to your broth.
- Brown the Meat: Before adding water, sear the beef in a hot pot to create a caramelized crust. This step enhances the overall flavor of your broth.
- Add Aromatics: Incorporate onions, garlic, and herbs (like thyme and bay leaves) early on. These aromatics will infuse the broth with layers of flavor.
- Use Good-Quality Stock: If you have homemade beef stock, use it instead of water for a richer taste. If not, choose a quality store-bought stock.
- Cook Slowly: Let your broth simmer gently for a long time. This slow cooking process extracts maximum flavor from the beef and vegetables.
- Add Barley Wisely: Stir in pearl barley about 30 minutes before the soup is finished cooking. This timing ensures the barley is tender yet maintains its shape.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning towards the end of cooking. Freshly cracked black pepper and a touch of salt can elevate the flavors.
- Serve with Fresh Herbs: Garnish your soup with fresh parsley or chives just before serving. The herbs add freshness and a pop of color.
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