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Simple Recipes for Every Day

Beef & Barley Soup

a bowl of homemade Beef & barley soup with spoon made with vegetables, spices, broth, tomato paste and soy sauce
  • Serves: 8
  • Prep Time:  20 min
  • Cook Time:  1 hr 50 min

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds chuck roast, trimmed cut into ¾ -inch pieces
  • kosher salt, for beef, plus more for serving
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 3 celery ribs, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons beef bouillon or better than bouillon
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme, plus more for serving
  • 8 cups beef stock
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • freshly cracked black pepper
  • minced flat-leaf parsley, optional

Method

  1. Season the beef generously with kosher salt. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven set over medium high heat. When the oil is glistening, add the beef in batches until browned on all sides, taking care not to crowd the pan, about 15 minutes total. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a plate.

  2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, along with the onion, carrots and celery and cook, stirring, until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. If the bottom of the pan is beginning to burn, use 2-3 tablespoons of the beef stock to deglaze, loosening the browned bits. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute longer. Add the tomato paste and bouillon, stir to combine. Add the thyme, beef stock, soy sauce and the beef, along with any juices from the plate, bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered for 60 minutes.

  3. Add the barley and cook for 30 more minutes, uncovered simmering, until tender.*

  4. Serve with freshly cracked black pepper and flat leaf parsley if desired.

    *Note: If using quick cooking barley, simmer the meat for a total of 80 minutes then add the barley and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until tender.