Beef Barley Soup Recipe
Beef and barley soup is a traditional recipe rich in protein and fiber. To prepare it, cook 500g of beef with onions, carrots, and celery. Add a cup of whole barley and enough beef broth to cover the ingredients. Simmer for two hours until tender.
Serves 4–6 people. It is ideal in winter for warmth and digestive health.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320–380 kcal |
| Protein | 25–30 g |
| Fiber | 6–8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28–35 g |
| Fat | 10–14 g |
| Iron | 15–20% DV |
Why is this recipe popular in Arab kitchens?
Many people look for a warming soup that combines simplicity and nutritional value. From experience with hundreds of recipes, beef and barley soup stands out because:
- It uses ingredients available in almost every home.
- It is an excellent source of protein and fiber, especially in winter.
- It suits families looking for a nutritious meal without long preparation time.
Barley helps you feel full for longer, making it a smart choice for balanced diets. In Arabic cuisine, this recipe is not just an ordinary dish; it is part of the culinary heritage passed down through generations.
Table of Contents
Barley Soup: Complete Recipe
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Barley grains | 100 grams |
| Potatoes, diced | 3 |
| Sausages, sliced | 900 grams |
| Carrot, diced | 1 |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic clove, finely chopped | 1 |
| Leeks, chopped | ½ bunch |
| Parsley, chopped (for garnish) | ½ bunch |
| Beef stock cube | 1 |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Water | 4 cups |
How to Make Barley Soup?
- In a pot, cover the washed barley with water and bring to a boil.
- Let it boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and leave for one hour. Drain and rinse well.
- Heat oil over medium heat, add chopped vegetables. Add water, beef stock cube, salt, pepper, and sausages. Bring to a boil.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 10 minutes, then add the barley.
- Once it boils again, pour into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Barley Soup with Mushrooms
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 1½ cups |
| Pearl barley | ½ cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | ½ cup |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Carrot, diced | 1 |
| Celery stalk, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic clove, chopped | 1 large |
| Mushrooms, sliced | 1 cup |
| Vegetable broth | 6 cups |
| Chicken bouillon powder | 6 teaspoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
How to Make Barley Soup with Mushrooms?
- In a saucepan, combine water, barley, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 45 minutes until soft.
- Heat olive oil, sauté onion, carrot, and celery until soft. Add garlic for one minute, then mushrooms for five minutes.
- Add vegetable broth and chicken stock powder. Bring to a boil.
- Add drained barley and simmer partially covered for 30 minutes. Add salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Chicken Barley Soup
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken pieces (skinless) | 1 kg |
| Crushed barley | ½ cup |
| Green beans | ½ cup |
| Celery stalks | 3 |
| Small onion | 1 |
| Medium onion, chopped | 1 |
| Carrots, cubed | 2 |
| Parsley, chopped | ½ cup |
| Celery seeds | ½ teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Water | 9 cups |
How to Make Chicken Barley Soup?
- Add chicken, water, celery leaves, small onion, salt, and pepper to a pot. Cook over low heat.
- Strain broth, set chicken aside. Return broth to pot and add celery sticks, onion, carrots, parsley, barley, and lemon juice. Boil for 20 minutes.
- Add beans and cook for 15 minutes.
- Remove chicken skin and bones, return meat to soup, stir briefly.
- Serve hot.
Turkish Barley Soup
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Turkey | 1 |
| Water | 5 cups |
| Large onion, diced | 1 |
| Carrots, diced | 2 |
| Celery stalks, diced | 2 |
| Barley | ½ cup |
| Medium onion, chopped | 1 |
| Chopped carrots | 1 cup |
| Turnip, diced | 2 cups |
| Parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
How to Make Turkish Barley Soup?
- Add turkey, carrots, celery, onions, and water to a pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until cooked.
- Remove turkey, cut into pieces, discard skin and bones.
- In another pot, cook barley with 1½ cups of turkey broth for 30 minutes.
- Add diced turnips, carrots, and onion. Stir well.
- Add cooked vegetables, turkey, remaining broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 45 minutes.
- Stir in parsley and serve with toasted bread.
Comparison of Barley Varieties
Many people misunderstand this point. Barley is not all the same.
| Barley Type | Cooking Time | Nutritional Benefits | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole barley | 60–90 minutes | Highest fiber and protein | Healthy daily meals |
| Pearl barley | 25–30 minutes | Softer, fewer fibers | Limited time |
| Ground barley | 15 minutes | Thickens soup | For thicker texture |
When to Use This Recipe and When to Avoid It?
Based on observation:
Use it when:
- You want a warm winter meal.
- You need an iron-rich meal for pregnant women.
- You want a dish prepared in one pot.
Avoid it when:
- You are allergic to gluten (barley contains gluten).
- During very hot summer days when soup feels heavy.
- You need a recipe ready in less than 30 minutes.
Traditionally, this soup was prepared on cold days as part of seasonal health care.
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes:
- Do not wash barley excessively; it reduces starch needed for thickness.
- Avoid adding salt too early; add it at the end.
- Do not replace meat broth with vegetable broth if you want authentic flavor.
- Choose lean beef (sirloin) to avoid greasy broth.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I prepare beef and barley soup in advance?
Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day.
2. Can I freeze barley soup?
Yes, but the barley may absorb more liquid. Add a little broth when reheating.
3. Is barley soup good for weight management?
Yes. The fiber content helps you feel full longer, which may support portion control.
4. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
You can, but the flavor will be lighter and less rich.
5. Which barley is best for beginners?
Pearl barley is easier and cooks faster, making it suitable for first-time cooks.
Conclusion
Beef and barley soup remains one of the most comforting and nourishing dishes in traditional Arab kitchens.
It combines simplicity, warmth, and nutritional strength in one pot. Whether prepared with beef, chicken, mushrooms, or turkey, this soup adapts easily while keeping its wholesome character.
Choosing the right barley and following simple cooking tips ensures a rich, balanced, and satisfying meal—especially during cold seasons.
