Beef Barley Soup

Yield: 4-6 servings

1 lb beef cubes

salt and pepper

(optional: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp oregano, chopped

1 tsp thyme, chopped

3 tbsp tomato paste

4 cups beef broth

2 cups water

3/4 cup barley

1 tbsp parsley, chopped

1. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. If using flour, place the beef in a ziploc bag and add the flour to the bag. Close the bag and shake all the beef is fully covered in flour. Add more flour if needed.

2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. In batches, add the beef and cook just until the meat starts to brown. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.

3. In the same pot, add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook the vegetables about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add garlic, oregano, thyme, and tomato paste. Stir.

5. Add the meat back to the pot, along with the beef broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef becomes tender.

6. Add the barley and cook for another 30 minutes or until the barley is cooked through. Be sure to stir occasionally to keep the barley from sticking. If the soup is too thick, add more water as necessary until you get the desired consistency.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/beef-barley-soup/