Hearty Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients
* 1½ lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
* 1 cup pearl barley
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 3 carrots, sliced
* 3 celery stalks, sliced
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 cups beef broth
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried parsley
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 teaspoon salt
* ½ teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
Method
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in batches.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Add the garlic and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in the beef broth and add the thyme, parsley, and bay leaf.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes, until the beef begins to become tender.
6. Add the pearl barley and continue simmering for 30–40 minutes, until the barley is tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf and taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot with crusty bread and enjoy!