Beef and Mushroom Barley Soup or Stew
We've been having a warmer than usual winter here in southeastern Virginia. There have been patches of cold here and there, but the temperature is near the 70 degree mark this weekend. Not exactly perfect weather for enjoying a hearty bowl of stew, but it is Bowled Over! week at I Heart Cooking Clubs and because I haven't made stew in over a year, I figured it was as good a time as any.
Ellie Krieger's recipe is really a soup, but I used about half the liquid and made it more of a stew. It was tasty, filling and very easy to make. You brown the beef, chop up and sauté a lot of veggies, pour in the liquids, spice and barley. Let it cook on the stove top and voila.
I used Trader Joe's 10 Minute Barley. Apparently, our local branch doesn't carry regular barley. No matter. I put it in 15 minutes before the stew was finished (instead of 50 minutes) and it came out fine.
The recipe can be found in The Food You Crave by Ellie Krieger. I couldn't find the recipe on-line although this one from foodnetwork.com is similar. Other warming, delicious options for soup/stew/chili can be found here.
I like how you chose to use half the liquid and make it more of a stew. I tend to do the same as I like a thick soup or stew. I've never heard of the 10 minute barley from TJ's but will keep my eyes open for it. This looks like it turned out beautifully. I wish I had a bowl full right now:)
ReplyDeleteThanks. I was surprised by the 10 minute barley, too. Fortunately, it worked beautifully. I was also surprised that they didn't carry the regular kind
DeleteBeef and barley. And yes, I love thick soup and stew too. Looks really good!
ReplyDeleteI always keep some Trader Joes' 10-min barley around to add to soup/stew like this. Mushroom, beef and barley and perfect combinations. Love it.
ReplyDeleteLooks like Ellie has quite a few delicious recipes for soups and stews! I have not tried barley in stews before, got to try it one of these days!
ReplyDeleteI love that 10-minute barley for TJs and the 10-minute Farro as well, they are great when you want a quick but hearty grain for soups and salads. This is a pretty and satisfying soup/stew. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI made this about 5 years ago and remember it was very good. I like that you made a stew out of it.
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