Buying soup from a work cafeteria is always like playing roulette. Many of the soups are straight out of a can, but there are enough times when they make them in-house, that it is worth a chance. For lunches during the winter months I am very happy with a big bowl of soup, but I am always a bit wary.

French Onion Soup? Love it in many restaurants, but never had a good cup in a cafeteria.

Minestrone? Generally the “broth” is tasteless and the veggies rubbery.

Gazpacho? Hit or miss. I loved it at a former employer’s cafeteria but hate it at the current cafeteria.

Chili? Generally workable.

Chicken Tortilla? If there is enough hot sauce around, it can make any tortilla soup edible.

Beef Barley? Ah….. I love me some Beef Barley.

I cannot say I have had a bad beef barley soup. Some are a little bland, but some black pepper and salt can wake it up. Others are really good. Surprisingly good. It is best when you scoop your own and you are not late to the post, as you can dig deep and fill the bowl with barley! I figured it was finally time to make it at home.

Photo Nov 27, 5 12 01 PM

The quantity of barley in this soup seemed almost an afterthought. As I am such a big fan of barley, next time I would double it. I think the amount of fluids already there could handle it, but I might add another cup of water just to be sure.

Photo Nov 26, 5 40 30 PM

There are quite a few items in here but it is really straightforward.

Photo Nov 26, 6 27 50 PM

Browning up the beef.

Photo Nov 26, 6 37 38 PM

In the pot.

Photo Nov 26, 6 39 08 PM

Ready to cook.

Photo Nov 27, 5 11 54 PM

Beef-Barley Soup

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 8 hrs | Makes: 8-10

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, diced
  • 2 cups chopped carrots
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 1/2 green pepper, diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 (16 ounce) tomatoes, cut up
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn
  • 1/2 cup frozen green beans
  • 2/3 cup barley
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
  • 1 tablespoon beef bouillon cubes
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 5 cups water

Directions:

1. In skillet brown beef.

2. Place carrot, celery, green pepper, onion, corn and green beans in crock pot.

3. Put meat on top.

4. Combine tomatoes, barley, parsley, bouillon, salt and basil.

5. Pour over meat.

6. Add water.

7. DO NOT STIR.

8. Cover and cook on LOW for 10-12 hours.

Nutritional Info:

Calories 110.7 Calories from Fat 7 Total Fat 0.8 g Saturated Fat 0.1 g Cholesterol 0.0 mg Sodium 746.6 mg Total Carbohydrate 24.0 g Dietary Fiber 5.6 g Sugars 4.4 g Protein 3.9 g

Source: http://www.food.com/recipe/beef-barley-soup-30018

About these ads