Greek Barley Soup

Greek Barley Soup

Warm up with a bowl of Greek Barley Soup, a cozy and hearty dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying. This delightful soup is a fusion of flavors inspired by traditional Greek cuisine, featuring tender barley and a medley of wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a chilly day, it warms the soul while being a breeze to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Barley Soup:

• Flavorful and Filling: Each spoonful bursts with the rich taste of tomatoes and savory beef, perfectly complemented by the nutty barley.
• Quick Preparation: Ready to enjoy in under an hour, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfectly stores in the fridge or freezer, allowing for easy reheating throughout the week.
• Family Approved: A wholesome dish that pleases both kids and adults alike, thanks to its comforting flavors.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a guilt-free option for any meal.

Ingredients Needed:

• Protein:
  • 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
• Vegetables:
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Oils & Sauces:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
• Grains:
  • 1 cup orzo
• Liquids:
  • 2 ½ cups water or beef broth
• Spices:
  • 1 cinnamon stick or ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Garnish:
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to enhance the flavors.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes and your choice of water or beef broth to the pot.
5. Season: Add the cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
6. Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Incorporate Orzo: Stir in the orzo and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring often. If the soup appears too thick, add more broth as needed.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once the orzo is tender and the soup has thickened, remove it from heat. Discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick, then garnish with fresh parsley. Allow to sit for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Greek Barley Soup

Serve this warm bowl of Greek Barley Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of your favorite red wine to elevate your dining experience.

Tips for Success with Greek Barley Soup

• Cut Meat Uniformly: Ensure your beef is cut into uniform pieces to promote even cooking.
• Flavor Adjustment: Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as desired.
• Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Use Quality Broth: A high-quality beef broth enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
• Experiment with Herbs: Consider adding a bay leaf or fresh thyme for an aromatic experience.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef with mushrooms or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian twist.
• Add Greens: Incorporate spinach or kale in the final minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of grain instead of orzo?
Absolutely! You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes, quinoa, or even rice for a different texture.

Is Greek Barley Soup gluten-free?
This soup isn’t gluten-free due to the orzo. However, you can use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta altogether and add more vegetables.

How long does Greek Barley Soup last in the fridge?
The soup can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Greek Barley Soup

A cozy and hearty soup featuring tender barley and a medley of wholesome ingredients, perfect for a chilly day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Greek

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Protein

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed

Vegetables

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Oils & Sauces

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste

Grains

• 1 cup orzo

Liquids

• 2 ½ cups water or beef broth

Spices

• 1 stick cinnamon stick or ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides.
2. Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to enhance the flavors.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes and your choice of water or beef broth to the pot.
5. Add the cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
6. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Stir in the orzo and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring often. If the soup appears too thick, add more broth as needed.
8. Once the orzo is tender and the soup has thickened, remove it from heat. Discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick, then garnish with fresh parsley. Allow to sit for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Pair with red wine for an elevated dining experience. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.