Beef and Barley Soup with Whole Wheat Roll

Ingredients

• lean ground beef 6 oz
• cooked barley 1 cup
• mixed vegetables 1.5 cups
• whole wheat roll 1 roll
• onion 0.5 medium
• garlic 2 cloves
• beef broth or stock 3 cups
• olive oil 1 tablespoon
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• dried thyme 0.5 teaspoon
• bay leaf 1 leaf

Method

1. Prepare Ingredients. Gather all ingredients. Finely chop half a medium onion and mince 2 garlic cloves. Measure out the cooked barley, mixed vegetables, and beef broth.
   Tip: Having all ingredients ready before cooking makes the process smoother.
2. Sauté Aromatics. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
   Tip: If onions start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
3. Cook Ground Beef. Add the 6 oz (170.1g) lean ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the fat content controlled.
   Tip: Cooking the beef thoroughly ensures safety and develops flavor.
4. Add Broth and Seasonings. Pour in 3 cups of beef broth. Add salt, black pepper to taste, 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf if using. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
   Tip: Use low sodium broth to better control the saltiness of the soup.
5. Simmer Soup. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. This allows flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.
   Tip: Simmer gently to avoid toughening the beef.
6. Add Barley and Vegetables. Stir in 1 cup cooked barley and 1.5 cups mixed vegetables. Continue simmering for another 10 minutes until vegetables are tender and heated through.
   Tip: If using frozen vegetables, no need to thaw; just add directly.
7. Final Seasoning and Serve. Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with a warm 50g whole wheat roll on the side.
   Tip: Warming the roll in the oven or microwave enhances the meal experience.

Pro tips

• Brown the beef well to develop rich flavor in the soup.
• Use cooked barley to save time; you can cook it ahead or buy pre-cooked.
• Simmer gently to keep the beef tender and the broth clear.