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As the chill of autumn settles in and winter approaches, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to provide comfort and nourishment. Soup has long been a staple in kitchens worldwide, offering a sense of warmth that transcends mere sustenance. It embodies the essence of home-cooked meals, bringing families together around the table and filling the air with enticing aromas. Among the plethora of soup varieties, Hearty Beef & Barley Soup stands out as a quintessential dish, perfect for those cold evenings when you crave something filling and satisfying.

Hearty Beef & Barley Soup

Cozy up this autumn with a bowl of Hearty Beef & Barley Soup, the perfect dish to warm your heart and nourish your body. This comforting soup features tender beef, nutty barley, and an array of aromatic vegetables simmered together for a rich flavor experience. Not only is it delicious, but it also boasts significant nutritional benefits, making it a wholesome choice for chilly evenings. Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy the simple pleasures of this classic comfort food.
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Ingredients
  

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

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 medium carrots, sliced into thin rounds

2 stalks celery, diced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

6 cups beef broth (or stock)

1 cup pearl barley

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef cubes in a single layer. Sear the beef for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are evenly browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside on a plate.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onion becomes translucent and softens. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, or until fragrant.

      Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, and add the bay leaf. Return the browned beef to the pot, mixing well to ensure that the flavors meld together.

        Pour in the Broth: Carefully add the beef broth to the pot, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer gently for approximately 45 minutes. This will help tenderize the beef.

          Incorporate Barley and Tomatoes: After the 45-minute simmer, stir in the pearl barley and diced tomatoes. Continue to simmer for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender and has absorbed the delicious flavors of the broth.

            Season to Taste: After cooking, carefully remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.

              Serve: Ladle the hearty beef and barley soup into generous bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant touch and enhance the flavor.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes | Serves 6-8

                  - Presentation Tips: Consider serving with warm crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy a cozy bowl of comfort!