Nif's Nourishing Beef Barley Delight
Nif's Nourishing Beef Barley Delight is a rich and hearty soup packed with nutritious vegetables and tender beef, perfect for a comforting meal any time of the year. This wholesome dish features flavorful ingredients like diced carrots, celery, and potatoes, complemented by the earthy taste of mushrooms and the chewy texture of pearl barley. Not only is this soup a great way to enjoy a well-balanced meal, but it's also ideal for meal prep. Freeze it in individual servings for convenient, healthy lunches on the go. Elevate your dining experience and savor each spoonful of this deliciously satisfying soup! Enjoy it with your favorite whole grain bread for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef sirloin
3/4 lb (trimmed and cubed into bite-sized pieces)
carrots
2 cups (diced)
celery
2 cups (diced)
onions
1 1/2 cups (diced)
potatoes
2 cups (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
shallot
1 small (minced (optional))
canned mushrooms
2 (10 ounce) cans (drained (use juice, and cut whole mushrooms in half if necessary))
pearl barley
1 3/4 cups (no preparation needed)
nonfat beef broth
12 cups (substitute with chicken broth if preferred)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
Instructions
1
1. In a large pot, generously spray extra virgin olive oil spray and heat over medium-high heat.
2
2. Add the cubed beef sirloin to the pot, and lightly brown it on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3
3. Stir in the diced carrots, celery, onions, and garlic (and shallot if using), sautéing for 3-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4
4. Pour in the nonfat beef broth and add the bay leaves and pearl barley to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5
5. Incorporate the canned mushrooms along with their juice, ensuring everything is mixed evenly.
6
6. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer covered for 30-60 minutes. Stir occasionally until the barley is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7
7. Once cooked, remove the bay leaves from the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8
8. Allow the soup to cool before transferring to individual serving containers for freezing or enjoy fresh!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nif's Nourishing Beef Barley Delight?
It is a rich and hearty soup packed with nutritious vegetables, tender beef, and pearl barley, perfect for a comforting meal.
What cut of beef is best for this soup?
The recipe recommends using 3/4 lb of beef sirloin, trimmed and cubed into bite-sized pieces.
Can I substitute the beef broth?
Yes, you can substitute the 12 cups of nonfat beef broth with chicken broth if you prefer.
How long should I brown the beef?
You should brown the cubed beef sirloin for approximately 5 to 7 minutes on all sides.
Which vegetables are included in the recipe?
The soup contains carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, garlic, and optional shallots.
Do I need to drain the canned mushrooms?
You should drain the mushrooms but keep the juice to incorporate it into the soup for extra flavor.
How much pearl barley is required?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of pearl barley.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer covered for 30 to 60 minutes until the barley is tender and vegetables are cooked.
Is this beef barley soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep and can be frozen in individual servings for convenient future meals.
What should I serve with this soup?
It is delicious when served with your favorite whole grain bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
When do I remove the bay leaves?
Once the soup is fully cooked and before serving, remove the bay leaves from the pot.
Is the shallot mandatory?
No, the small minced shallot is an optional ingredient to add extra flavor.
How much broth is needed for the recipe?
You will need 12 cups of nonfat beef broth.
What is the preparation for the potatoes?
You should prepare 2 cups of diced potatoes for this recipe.
How many cloves of garlic are used?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies canned mushrooms, you can use fresh mushrooms if preferred; just ensure they are cleaned and halved.
What oil is recommended for sautéing?
Extra virgin olive oil spray is recommended for browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
How long do I sauté the onions and carrots?
Sauté the carrots, celery, onions, and garlic for 3 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy, nutritious, and low cholesterol.
Do I need to soak the barley before cooking?
No, the pearl barley requires no preparation and can be added directly to the pot.
What is the texture of the barley in this soup?
The pearl barley provides a satisfying chewy texture that complements the tender beef.
Can I season the soup to my preference?
Yes, you should season the soup with salt and pepper to taste once it has finished cooking.
How much carrot and celery are in the soup?
The recipe includes 2 cups of diced carrots and 2 cups of diced celery.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include soup, beef, barley, healthy, low cholesterol, meal prep, and comfort food.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed for meal prep and freezing in individual containers.
Is this a low-fat recipe?
The recipe uses nonfat beef broth and extra virgin olive oil spray to keep the fat content lower.
What size should I cut the mushrooms?
If using whole mushrooms from the can, you should cut them in half if necessary.
What kind of onions are used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of diced onions.
What heat setting is used for the initial browning?
The pot should be heated over medium-high heat for browning the beef.
How many cans of mushrooms are required?
The recipe requires 2 (10 ounce) cans of mushrooms.