A while back, I got nostalgic for one of my favorite soups from childhood, beef and barley. Alpana had never had it but was eager to try. I asked her if she wanted to try Campbell’s or Progresso, both of which I grew up on. She said neither. So, that means no effortless dinner for me… But, I guess that’s what it is being a food blogger. Gotta works for those meals. So, I did a couple of trial runs, and have to say I think I nailed this classic soup. Last weekend, the weather wasn’t so great, so we decided to have a movie day. The extended version of “Return of the King.” It’s a whopping 4.5 hours, which made it a perfect day to simmer a big batch of soup! Let that kitchen burner keep going while you enjoy the movie and you will end up with one delicious meal by the time you finish your movie. Sounds good right?
Ingredients Needed
Beef – I always use chuck roast for my soups. In this case, I dice it into bite-sized pieces. Olive oil – For searing the beef. Aromatic veggies – Onion, celery and carrots. The classic soup base. Garlic – Of course. Beef broth – Better than Bouillon is my go-to. Tomato paste – It’s semi-optional. The first time I made beef with barley I did not use it, but in later trials found the tomato element adds a nice depth. Worcestershire sauce – This also really adds to the flavors. Fresh herbs – Rosemary and thyme. As always, if you don’t have fresh use 1/3 as much dried in their place. Bay leaves – Another soup staple. Potato – I am using a Russet today, but any type will do here. Mushrooms – Not a staple in many recipes, but mushrooms go so good with beef that I couldn’t leave them out. Barley – Well now, it wouldn’t be beef with barley without this. Look specifically for pearled barley, which has been stripped of the inedible outer shell. Salt and pepper – But you knew that.
Beef with Barley Soup Recipe
So today I shared my version of a childhood favorite. Even Alpana agreed that it was mighty good. Serve it up with some nice crusty bread and you’ve got a great meal. If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating and comment, we love to hear from you. And be sure to stay in the loop by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on Pinterest.
Beef Barley Soup, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
Try these other great soups!Portuguese Bean SoupChicken Pastina SoupFinnish Salmon SoupAsopao de PolloHam and Bean SoupBirria RamenYakameinBorscht
