Beef and Barley Soup

By charlotteh371

Serves 4 (makes 8 cups)| Hands-On Time: 30m| Total Time: 1hr 30m

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 2 carrots, coarsely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 14.5-ounce cans low-sodium beef broth
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup pearl barley
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Working in 2 batches, cook the beef, turning often, until browned, 4 to 6 minutes; transfer to a plate.
Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and cook, stirring often, until beginning to soften, 4 to 6 minutes.
Add the broth, tomatoes (with their juices), barley, bay leaf, thyme, 4 cups water, ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper, and the browned beef (along with any accumulated juices). Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, until the beef is tender, 1 hour to 1 hour, 15 minutes.
Adjust the consistency of the soup with more broth or water if desired. Stir in the parsley.