Herb-Infused Beef and Barley Soup
This hearty soup combines tender chunks of beef with chewy, nutty barley in a slow-cooker setting. Fragrant herbs are added during cooking, resulting in a rich, smoky broth with a comforting texture and a rustic, rustic appearance. The dish features a thickened, savory base with visible bits of meat, barley, and herbs throughout.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
- Chef's knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat cut into large chunks
- 1.5 cups barley preferably pearl barley
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups beef broth or high-quality stock
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the beef chunks and sear until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Pour the cooked onion and garlic mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the barley, dried thyme, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the beef broth, ensuring that all ingredients are submerged. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low for 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
- After the cooking time is up, open the lid and stir the soup gently. The barley should be plump and slightly chewy, and the beef tender and falling apart.
- Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the soup is too thick, stir in a splash of additional broth or hot water.
- Scoop the hearty soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has generous chunks of beef, barley, and fragrant herbs. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting aroma and rich flavors.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika or a splash of soy sauce during cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to preserve the tender beef and chewy barley.