🍲 Hearty Beef & Barley Soup: Warm, Comforting, and Delicious! 🥕

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed 🥩
• 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 1 onion, diced 🧅
• 3 carrots, sliced 🥕
• 2 celery stalks, sliced 🌱
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 6 cups beef broth 🍲
• 1/2 cup pearl barley 🌾
• 1 bay leaf 🍃
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) 🌿

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add beef cubes and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot. Add beef broth, barley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until beef and barley are tender.
5. Serve: Remove bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

This Beef & Barley Soup is hearty, filling, and perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day! 🍲🥕🌿