1 pound beef chuck, diced
1 cup barley
2 carrots, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, sliced
6 cups beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by dicing the beef into bite-sized pieces and chopping all vegetables accordingly.
Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and season with salt and pepper, browning it on all sides.
Add Vegetables: Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in Barley: Add the barley to the pot, stirring well to combine it with the beef and vegetables.
Pour in Broth: Carefully add the beef broth, ensuring everything is submerged. Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Final Seasoning: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm, perhaps with some crusty bread on the side.