spinach beef barley - transformation soup!

M.V. Island, MA
Updated on Jan 7, 2014

Recently I braised a small amount of stewing beef,planning to make a beef stew,before adding the usual veggies, I changed plans and just served it simply with a baked potato for supper. Today,I strained the gravy and meat, and I cut the beef into smaller pieces to make it into a soup, and I had some pearl barley which I added to the meat and gravy, along with a cup of water. Then in a moment of creativity I added fresh baby spinach and sautéed shallots. This made the richest hearty Winter soup and it was delicious!

prep time 10 Min
cook time 55 Min
method Stove Top
yield Four

Ingredients

  • 1 pound stewing beef, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 cup flour for dredging the beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 quart beef broth, reduced sodium if desired
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup pearl barley, uncooked
  • 1/2 package fresh baby spinach
  • 1 medium shallot, minced and sauteed
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil for saute'ing beef.

How To Make spinach beef barley - transformation soup!

  • Step 1
    These measurements are approximate as I did not write them down at the time! Shake the flour, salt, pepper and paprika to mix, in a bag or a bowl, add and toss pieces of beef to coat.
  • Step 2
    In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, place two tablespoon of oil (canola is fine),add and brown meat, doing in two batches so that you don't overcrowd the pan. Remove first batch to a bowl, while browning the second batch.
  • Step 3
    Return meat to the pot or Dutch Oven, add beef broth, and cover to simmer for about an hour and a half. Additional water may be added if you want more broth.
  • Step 4
    The second day, I decided to cut the meat into smaller cubes, and added it back to the broth, with another cup or two of water and added the barley. Bring to a boil, simmer for about 45-50 minutes.
  • Step 5
    At this point I stirred in the fresh spinach covered it and simmered it, and after sautéing the minced shallot, I added that to the soup and stirred and let simmer for another five minutes. Adjust seasoning if desired with salt and pepper.

Discover More

Category: Beef Soups
Ingredient: Beef
Culture: American
Method: Stove Top

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