Hey there, fellow soup lovers! Let me tell you, if there’s one soup that screams “comfort in a bowl,” it’s this *Beef Barley Guinness Soup*. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly autumn in Ireland – yes, it’s that authentic! The aroma alone, wafting from the kitchen, can transport you. It’s rich, hearty, and unbelievably flavorful, perfect for those evenings when you just want a big, warm hug. Trust me, this isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience!
Why You’ll Love This *Beef Barley Guinness Soup*
Okay, so let me tell you why this soup is a MUST-MAKE! Seriously, it’s a total winner:
- Super easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight.
- That rich, complex flavor from the Guinness? Wow! It’s pure magic.
- Hearty and filling, perfect for chilly weather or any get-together. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
- Makes a big batch, so leftovers are a breeze – lunch for days!
Ingredients for the Best *Beef Barley Guinness Soup*
Alright, friends, here’s what you’ll need to make this bowl of deliciousness. Don’t worry, it’s pretty straightforward, and trust me, the results are worth every single ingredient!
- 1.5 lbs of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes.
- 2 tablespoons of good quality olive oil.
- 1 large onion, chopped – the flavor base!
- 2 carrots, chopped.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced – don’t skimp on this!
- 8 cups of your favorite beef broth.
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle of Guinness stout.
- 1/2 cup of pearl barley.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary.
- Salt and pepper to taste – season generously!
You can adjust the herbs to your liking, but those are my faves!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make *Beef Barley Guinness Soup*
Okay, so here’s how you turn those amazing ingredients into a bowl of pure deliciousness! Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying this incredible soup in no time.
Preparing the Beef and Vegetables
First up, let’s get that flavor base going! You *gotta* season your beef stew meat with a good dose of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy – it needs it! Heat up that olive oil in a big pot or Dutch oven – you want it nice and hot. Now, brown the beef in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pot, or it won’t brown properly. Take your time, get a nice sear on those pieces of beef – about 3-4 minutes per batch. Then, take the beef out and set it aside for now. Next, in the same pot, add your onions, carrots, and celery and cook ’em until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. Once those are softened, add that minced garlic and cook for just a minute more, until fragrant. Whew – your kitchen is now starting to smell amazing!
Simmering the *Beef Barley Guinness Soup*
Alright, time to bring it all together! Put the browned beef back into the pot with those perfectly cooked veggies, then pour in that luscious beef broth and, of course, the star of the show – the Guinness stout! Next, add in your barley, thyme, and rosemary. Bring everything up to a boil, and *then* reduce the heat to a simmer. Now, here’s the best part: let it simmer for about 2-3 hours. Or, until that beef is fall-apart tender. Give it a stir every now and then. You know it’s done when the beef practically melts in your mouth! And don’t forget the most important part: taste and season generously with extra salt and pepper, to your liking!
Tips for Success: Making Perfect *Beef Barley Guinness Soup*
Okay, friends, wanna know the secrets to a truly amazing bowl of this *Beef Barley Guinness Soup*? Here’s what I’ve learned over the years! First off, don’t rush the browning of the beef; a good sear equals major flavor. And don’t be scared to really season that beef – salt is your friend here! When simmering, keep an eye on the liquid level. Sometimes, I add a splash more broth if it gets too low. Taste the soup throughout the cooking process, and adjust the herbs and seasoning as you go – I always add a bit more thyme at the end for extra oomph. And finally, serve it with crusty bread for dipping. Trust me, it’s pure perfection!
Serving Suggestions to Complement Your *Beef Barley Guinness Soup*
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing soup, right? Now, what to serve *with* it? Don’t worry, I got you covered; it’s all about making the whole meal sing!
First off, *crusty bread* is a MUST. Think thick slices perfect for dipping into that rich broth. Also, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is great! It’ll add a little freshness. Maybe a grilled cheese for the kids? Delicious! YUM!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for *Beef Barley Guinness Soup*
So, you’ve got a big batch of this amazing soup, but don’t know what to do with all of it? No problem! This *Beef Barley Guinness Soup* is a dream for make-ahead meals and leftovers! You can totally make a whole big pot the day before you plan on serving it. Let it cool completely, then pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days! Seriously, the flavors just keep getting better.
You can also freeze it! Just let the soup cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. It’ll last for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat on the stovetop. Or, if you’re in a hurry for dinner, just microwave it! Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions About *Beef Barley Guinness Soup*
Alright, friends, let’s tackle a few questions you might have brewing in your minds! I get these all the time, so let’s clear them up quickly.
Can I use a different beer?
Sure, but trust me, the Guinness is *where it’s at*! It gives that unique depth of flavor that really makes this *Beef Barley Guinness Soup* pop. You *can* substitute with another dark stout if you absolutely must. A porter could work too, but the taste won’t be quite the same. If you are not a fan of beer, you could substitute it with more beef broth to get the texture!
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! I’ve done it. Just brown the beef and sauté the veggies on the stovetop first. Then, toss everything into the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You might need to add a bit more broth if it thickens up too much. Make sure the beef is tender before you serve it because nobody likes chewey meat!
How can I thicken the soup?
No worries, I have some easy steps for you! The barley will help thicken the soup as it cooks, but if you want it *extra* thick, you have a couple of options. My go-to move would be to scoop out a cup or two of the hot soup, blend it with an immersion blender until smooth, and then stir it back in. Or, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water *before* you add it to the soup. Just be super careful not to add too much at once! You can also use flour as an alternative thickener!
Estimated Nutritional Information for *Beef Barley Guinness Soup*
Alright, so here’s a rough idea of what you’re getting in terms of nutrition per serving (about 1.5 cups). Remember, these numbers are just estimates, and they can change based on the specific brands and ingredients you use – especially the beef broth. This data is for informational purposes only, and please consult with a nutritionist.
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: Around 15g
- Protein: About 25g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 30g
- Fiber: Okay, about 5g
- Sugar: A modest 5g
- Sodium: Be aware of about 450mg
Share Your Thoughts on *Beef Barley Guinness Soup*!
So, did you give this *Beef Barley Guinness Soup* a try? Awesome! I’d LOVE to hear what you thought! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or even better, share a pic and tag me on social media! Can’t wait!
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Hot Chocolate Stuffed Sandwich Cookies
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cookies are a delicious treat. They combine the flavors of hot chocolate and sandwich cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate sandwich cookies
- 1 cup hot chocolate mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Separate the cookies.
- Mix hot chocolate mix and milk.
- Dip cookies in hot chocolate mixture.
- Place marshmallows on half of the cookies.
- Top with the other cookie halves.
Notes
- You can add sprinkles.
- Use different sandwich cookies.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: hot chocolate, sandwich cookies, dessert, easy recipe