Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef-Barley Soup
A hearty, flavorful vegetable beef-barley soup featuring tender beef shanks, fresh vegetables, and nutty pearl barley, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 beef shanks, 1-inch thick (about 4 lb.) ⓘ
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced ⓘ
- 4 ribs celery with leaves, cut in 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 3 qt. water ⓘ
- 6 large carrots, cut in 1-inch chunks ⓘ
- 2 leeks (white part only), thinly sliced ⓘ
- 4 parsnips, peeled and cut in 1-inch chunks ⓘ
- 4 turnips, peeled and cut in 1-inch chunks
- bouquet garni (3 stems parsley, tied with 1 bay leaf) ⓘ
- 8 plum tomatoes, chopped or 1 (16 oz.) can with juice ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup uncooked pearl barley ⓘ
Instructions
- Place beef shanks in a shallow roasting pan.
- Roast, uncovered, at 400°F for 1 hour.
- Transfer shanks to a large soup kettle, scraping up juices from the bottom of the roasting pan and adding them to the kettle.
- Add onion, celery, and water to the kettle.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and cook with the lid slightly ajar, skimming off foam that rises to the top, for 2 1/2 hours.
- Remove beef shanks and cut into serving-sized pieces.
- Add carrots, leeks, parsnips, turnips, bouquet garni, tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the soup.
- Simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes.
- Add pearl barley and simmer partially covered for an additional 30 minutes.
- Remove the bouquet garni, taste, and adjust seasonings as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef shanks in a skillet before roasting. You can substitute the pearl barley with quinoa or brown rice if desired, adjusting cooking times accordingly. For added depth, include a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a few sprigs of thyme in the soup while simmering. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cream Cheese And Dried Beef Ball for a delightful appetizer. For a comforting touch, sprinkle fresh parsley or grated cheese on top before serving. Enjoy it as a cozy family dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. The flavors will deepen even further after a day in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef-Barley Soup contains roughly 1091 calories, with 75g protein, 214g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (451% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (335% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After roasting the beef shanks, transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in tender meat and vegetables.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, substitute pearl barley with gluten-free grains like quinoa or millet. Ensure that any broth or stock used is also gluten-free. This will maintain the hearty texture while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
What can I use instead of beef shanks?
If you don't have beef shanks, you can use other cuts like chuck roast or stew meat. Just ensure they are well-marbled for flavor. You may need to adjust the cooking time based on the cut used, ensuring it's tender before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).