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Comfort food holds a special place in our hearts and kitchens, transcending cultures and generations. It embodies nostalgia, warmth, and the simple joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. From creamy mac and cheese to fragrant chicken pot pie, comfort food often features hearty ingredients and rich flavors that make us feel at home. Among these cherished dishes is the classic Beef Barley Delight, a robust stew that warms both body and soul, especially during the colder months.

Hearty Beef Barley Soup

Warm up your colder days with a bowl of Beef Barley Delight, a comforting stew that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. This hearty recipe features tender beef chuck, chewy pearl barley, and a mix of veggies simmered together to create a satisfying meal perfect for sharing with loved ones. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, even novice cooks can create this classic dish that embodies warmth and nostalgia. Discover the joy of home-cooked comfort food!

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 cup pearl barley

8 cups beef broth

2 cups water

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sear the Beef: In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, searing them until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot. Stir in the pearl barley, beef broth, water, thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

        Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to maintain the desired consistency.

          Adjust Seasoning: Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

            Serve: Ladle the hearty beef barley soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for garnish. Enjoy!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 2 hrs | 6 servings