Hearty Beef Barley Soup 🍲🥩🌾

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Brown the Beef 🥩

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add stew beef, season with salt and pepper, and brown the meat in batches, stirring occasionally. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the beef is browned on all sides.
3. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables 🧅🥕🌿

1. In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.

3️⃣ Simmer the Soup 🍲

1. Return the browned beef to the pot with the vegetables.
2. Add the garlic, pearl barley, beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1–1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.
4. Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

4️⃣ Serve 🍽️

• Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
  

  🌟 Tips & Variations