Beef Mince and Barley Broth

Jane Simpson

This hearty Beef Mince and Barley Broth offers a soul-warming embrace perfect for chilly evenings. Infused with rustic charm, its origins trace back to ancient peasant dishes that celebrated simplicity yet profound flavor. This dish combines the rich, earthy tones of beef and barley, with subtle aromatic herbs that elevate the comforting broth to elegance.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1 30

Total Time 1 50

Course Soup

Cuisine British / Irish

Servings bowls

Calories 599 kcal

Equipment

1 Large heavy-bottomed pot

1 Wooden spoon

1 Chef’s Knife

1 Cutting Board

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil - extra virgin
1 cup onion - finely chopped
2 cloves garlic - minced
1 pound ground beef (minced beef) - lean
3 liters beef stock (beef broth or beef bouillon) - preferably homemade
1 cup pearl barley
2 teaspoons thyme - dried
1 handful parsley - fresh, chopped
1 pinch salt - to taste
1 pinch ground black pepper - to taste

Instructions

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, stir for 1 minute until aromatic, then incorporate the beef mince. Brown the beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink.
Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Stir in the pearl barley and dried thyme. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the barley is tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving, for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while browning the beef.
Substitute quinoa for barley for a gluten-free option, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 599kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 34gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 2913mgPotassium: 933mgFiber: 9gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 144IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 98mgIron: 5mg

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