Try this soup: ...................................
Originally Posted by ironbender
The food section of the local newspaper had this recipe. This has become a family favorite.
One thing I'll note is the barley the recipe calls for is "quick" pearl barley. That makes it about a one hour soup. If regular pearled barley is used, it needs to simmer most of the day - not that that's a bad thing!
Beef and barley vegetable soup Peninsula Clarion
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
One cup sliced celery
1 cup fresh sliced carrots
1/2 (10-ounce) bag fresh cut green beans
1 medium to large zucchini, sliced
1/2 (10-ounce) box frozen spinach
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 quarts low-sodium beef broth
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups "quick" pearled barley
1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon dried basil
1-2 bay leaves
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
In a large Dutch oven, over medium heat, lightly brown meat. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat, then stir in onion, celery, carrots and green beans. Cook for 10 minutes. (If needed, some water to the cooking pot.)
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in broth, tomatoes (crush tomatoes lightly with your hands), barley, parsley, basil, and bay leaf.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add zucchini, spinach and peas and cook 10 minutes more. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste.
Remove bay leaves and garnish with fresh minced parsley before serving.
