Name: ground beef and barley soup recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500 g (1.1 lb) Ground Halal Beef: Use a blend that isn’t overly lean for richer flavor.; 150 g (1 cup) Pearl Barley, Rinsed: Rinsing removes excess starch.; 1 Large Onion, Diced: Yellow or white onions work best.; 2 Carrots, Diced: Adds sweetness and color.; 2 Celery Stalks, Diced: Contributes savory depth.; 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Freshly minced is best.; 1.5 L (6 cups) Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: Controls saltiness.; 500 mL (2 cups) Halal Beef Broth: Adds beefy depth.; 1 tsp (5 mL) Smoked Paprika: Brings smoky flavor.; 1 tsp (5 mL) Ground Cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness.; 0.5 tsp (2.5 mL) Black Pepper: Freshly ground is recommended.; Salt to Taste: Adjust to your preference.; 2 tbsp (30 mL) Olive Oil, Divided: For sautéing and browning.; 2 Large Red Bell Peppers, Roasted, Peeled, Seeded: Intensifies sweetness and creates smoky flavor.; 1 tsp (5 mL) Smoked Cumin Powder: Enhances smoky flavor.; 1 tbsp (15 mL) Lemon Juice: Brightens the swirl.; 2 tbsp (30 mL) Olive Oil (for purée): Creates a smooth purée.; 3 tbsp (45 g) Cooked Barley, Toasted: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.; Fresh Parsley, Chopped, for Garnish: Provides a fresh finish.

Description

This hearty Ground Beef Barley Soup is elevated with a vibrant roasted red pepper swirl, creating a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for a chilly evening. It’s a classic soup with a smoky twist!

Ingredients

Scale

500 g (1.1 lb) Ground Halal Beef: Use a blend that isn’t overly lean for richer flavor.
150 g (1 cup) Pearl Barley, Rinsed: Rinsing removes excess starch.
1 Large Onion, Diced: Yellow or white onions work best.
2 Carrots, Diced: Adds sweetness and color.
2 Celery Stalks, Diced: Contributes savory depth.
3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Freshly minced is best.
1.5 L (6 cups) Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: Controls saltiness.
500 mL (2 cups) Halal Beef Broth: Adds beefy depth.
1 tsp (5 mL) Smoked Paprika: Brings smoky flavor.
1 tsp (5 mL) Ground Cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness.
0.5 tsp (2.5 mL) Black Pepper: Freshly ground is recommended.
Salt to Taste: Adjust to your preference.
2 tbsp (30 mL) Olive Oil, Divided: For sautéing and browning.
2 Large Red Bell Peppers, Roasted, Peeled, Seeded: Intensifies sweetness and creates smoky flavor.
1 tsp (5 mL) Smoked Cumin Powder: Enhances smoky flavor.
1 tbsp (15 mL) Lemon Juice: Brightens the swirl.
2 tbsp (30 mL) Olive Oil (for purée): Creates a smooth purée.
3 tbsp (45 g) Cooked Barley, Toasted: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
Fresh Parsley, Chopped, for Garnish: Provides a fresh finish.

Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: Heat oil and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened (5 minutes).
Brown Beef: Add garlic and ground beef; brown until cooked through (6-8 minutes).
Bloom Spices: Stir in paprika, cumin, pepper, and salt; cook for 1 minute.
Simmer Soup: Add barley, vegetable broth, and beef broth; simmer for 45 minutes until barley is tender.
Make Red Pepper Swirl: Blend roasted peppers, oil, cumin powder, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
Toast Barley: Toast cooked barley in oil until golden brown and crispy (4 minutes).
Serve & Garnish: Ladle soup, swirl with red pepper purée, and garnish with toasted barley and parsley.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use a combination of vegetable and beef broth. Roasting the red peppers is key for developing their sweet, smoky flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 8 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: soup,beef,barley,roasted red pepper,halal,comfort food,hearty,smoky,easy