2bleu's Beef Barley Soup Or Chicken Barley Soup

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Barley is a wonderfully versatile cereal grain with a rich nutlike flavor and an appealing chewy, pasta-like consistency. When the weather's cold, a big pot of soup simmering on the stove warms the heart as well as the hearth. In addition to its robust flavor, barley's claim to nutritional fame is based on its being a very good source of fiber. If you can't find barley in your grocery store, you can purchase some of excellent quality pearl barley at www.nutsonline.com if you'd like to try our vegetarian version, click here: recipe #390750 this can be made as chicken barley soup as well, just change 2 ingredients (see list).

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Steps

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Preparing barley: like all grains , before cooking barley , rinse it thoroughly under running water and then remove any dirt or debris that you may find.

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In a large dutch oven heat oil over medium heat , add meat and garlic.

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Cook until meat is browned.

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Drain if necessary.

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Stir in remaining ingredients.

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Bring to a boil , reduce heat and simmer for 1-1 1 / 2 hours , stirring occasionally until barley and carrots are tender and fully cooked.

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Season to taste with additional salt & black pepper and serve.

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Pearl barley takes a minimum of 1 hour to cook , whereas hulled barley takes 1.

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5 hours or more.

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Ingredients

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olive oil, beef sirloin steak, garlic cloves, beef broth, beef bouillon cubes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, pearl barley, dried parsley, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, bay leaf, carrots, celery, onion, fresh mushrooms, salt and black pepper