Monday, January 10, 2011

Barley Beef Soup

Hearty and Delicious Wintertime Soup
IMG_4638
Barley Beef Soup
I love soups and stews and I look forward to cooler weather to be able to fully enjoy them.  Barley Beef soup is a hearty soup that the whole family can enjoy.  You can prepare it using different vegetable combinations for variety or to please the picky eaters in your household.  You can easily prepare this meal with fresh vegetables and meat, or you can use freeze dried vegetables or meat.
Pearled barley is great for soups and stews because it cooks more quickly than hulled barley and provides a delicious flavor and texture to soups.  The barley also helps to provide additional fiber and nutrients.  Here is a delicious recipe that my wife uses:
Barley Beef Soup
1 Cup Chopped Cooked Beef (or brown stew meat first)
2 Carrots Chopped
2 Celery Stalks Chopped
1/2 Large Onion Chopped
1 Small Red Potato Chopped
1/2 Can Diced Tomatoes
1 Cup Pearled Barley
16 Cups Water
2 oz Haco Soup Base (Vegetable or Beef)
1 Tablespoon Real Salt
If using raw meat, brown the stew meat in a tablespoon of oil.  Combine ingredients in pan and bring to a boil.  Stir periodically.  After soup comes to a boil, reduce heat to simmer and cook for 1 hour.  The vegetables should now be fully cooked and the barley soft and robust in size and texture.  Serve with fresh bread or rolls.