Beef Barley Soup

Beef Barley Soup 

Ingredients:

1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup pearl barley

1 large onion, chopped

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

4 cups beef broth

2 cups water

1 tsp garlic, minced

1 bay leaf

1 tsp dried thyme

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

Brown the Beef:

In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Simmer the Soup:

Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, water, pearl barley, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.