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Quick Beef & Barley Soup

Quick-cooking barley and sirloin help get this beef-and-barley soup on the table in a snap--and it doubles easily. If leftovers get too thick in the fridge, add a little broth when you reheat it. Serve with crusty bread and a glass of malbec.

Active Time
Total Time
40 mins
Yield
Serves 4

How to Make It

1. Step
Sprinkle steak with 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the steak and cook, stirring often, until browned on all sides, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
2. Step
Add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil, onion and celery to the pot and cook, stirring, until beginning to soften, about 2 minutes. Add carrot and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes more. Add tomato paste and thyme and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are coated with the tomato paste and are beginning to brown, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Step
Add barley, broth, water, salt and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer; cook until the barley is tender, about 15 minutes. Return the beef and any accumulated juice to the pot and heat through, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vinegar to taste.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces sirloin steak, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
  • 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 large stalk celery, sliced
  • 1 large carrot, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • ¾ cup quick-cooking barley
  • 4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar

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