Recipe: Beef Barley Soup
Description:
Discover the heartwarming flavors of a classic Beef Barley Soup, a recipe cherished from a Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, a delightful gift from a beloved sister. This comforting dish has been a staple, especially during those cherished moments as a stay-at-home mom. Even now, it remains a treasured tradition, particularly when the aroma of short ribs beckons from the weekend specials aisle.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you need to gather to embark on this culinary journey:
- 2 short ribs of beef
- 5 cups water
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 3/4 cup chopped carrots
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 2/3 cup quick-cooking barley
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Nutritional Information:
Before we dive into the preparation, let’s take a moment to appreciate the nutritional goodness packed into each serving:
- Calories: 529.1
- Fat: 41.7g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 86.2mg
- Sodium: 677.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 19.2g
- Fiber: 4.9g
- Sugar: 4.3g
- Protein: 19.4g
Instructions:
Now, let’s bring this delightful dish to life with these step-by-step instructions:
| Step | Instructions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | In a Dutch oven, begin by slowly browning the short ribs on all sides, ensuring a rich, caramelized hue. | 20 minutes |
| 2 | Once the ribs are beautifully browned, drain off any excess fat to ensure a lighter, healthier soup base. | |
| 3 | Next, add the water, along with the undrained tomatoes, chopped onion, beef bouillon granules, salt, and basil to the pot. Stir gently to combine, infusing the broth with layers of savory flavor. | |
| 4 | Allow the soup to simmer, covered, for 1 and a half hours, letting the ingredients meld together into a harmonious blend of taste and aroma. | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| 5 | After the initial simmering time, add in the chopped carrots, celery, green pepper, quick-cooking barley, and parsley. These vibrant additions bring both color and nutrition to the soup, enhancing its visual appeal and health benefits. | |
| 6 | Continue to simmer the soup, covered, for an additional 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop further, creating a soul-satisfying pot of goodness. | 45 minutes |
| 7 | Once the soup has simmered to perfection, it’s time to remove the meat and bones from the pot. Carefully chop the meat, discarding any bones or excess fat. | |
| 8 | With a gentle hand, skim off any excess fat from the surface of the soup, ensuring a cleaner, lighter broth that lets the flavors shine through. | |
| 9 | Return the chopped meat to the soup, allowing it to heat through and mingle with the other ingredients, creating a hearty, wholesome meal that’s sure to warm the soul. |
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Beef Barley Soup piping hot, ladled into bowls and garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Final Thoughts:
With its rich flavors, tender meat, and wholesome ingredients, this Beef Barley Soup is a true classic that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether enjoyed on a chilly winter evening or as a comforting meal with loved ones, this soup brings warmth and nourishment to the table, making every spoonful a moment to savor and cherish.
