Description

A hearty, comforting cold-weather soup loaded with tender beef, earthy barley, beans, and a richly layered broth built from a two-stage mirepoix. Rustic, nourishing, and even better the next day.

Ingredients

1.5 pounds beef stew meat (or chuck), cut into chunks

Salt, to taste

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 large onion, chopped (divided in half)

3 carrots, chopped (divided in half)

3 celery stalks, chopped (divided in half)

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon thyme leaves

6 cups beef stock

1 tablespoon soy sauce

3/4 cup pearl barley

1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Season beef generously with salt. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high until just smoking. Brown beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side; transfer to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the first half of the onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes. Add a splash of water if needed to deglaze.
Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute. Add tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen flavor.
Return beef and its juices to the pot. Add thyme, beef stock, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook 60 minutes until beef is very tender.
Remove beef and strain the broth, discarding the solids. Wipe out the pot.
Heat remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the second half of the mirepoix for 5–6 minutes.
Return beef and strained broth to the pot. Stir in barley and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
With 5 minutes left, add kidney beans. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Add potatoes for extra heartiness.

A splash of Worcestershire or balsamic brightens the broth.

Stir in spinach or kale at the end for more vegetables.

Mushrooms pair wonderfully with beef and barley.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: Approx. 360
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg