Quick Classic Beef Barley Soup
Flavorful sauteed beef sirloin served with a savory barley broth that has mushrooms and bell pepper.
Ingredients:
4 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided use
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons minced garlic, divided use
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed
Two 14 or 14.5 oz cans beef broth (RTU)
2 cups water
8 oz. baby carrots (about 1 3/4 cups)
8 oz. crimini or button mushrooms, cut into quarters (about 3 cups)
1 cup diced red bell pepper
3/4 cup quick-cooking barley
1 pound beef top sirloin steak, cut 3/4 in. thick
Salt and pepper 1 cup frozen peas
Method
Heat 2 teaspoons oil in 4 quart stockpot, or saucepan, over medium heat until hot. Add onion, 1 tablespoon garlic and the thyme; cook and stir 3-5 min. or until onion is tender. Add broth, water, carrots, mushrooms, bell pepper, and barley; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 10 min. or until barley and vegetables are tender. Meanwhile, cut beef steak lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 3/4-inch-thick strips. Toss with remaining 1 tablespoon garlic. Heat one teaspoon oil in large nonstick skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add half of the beef; stir-fry 3-4 min. for medium-rare to medium doneness. Remove from skillet. Repeat with remaining oil and beef. Season with salt and pepper as desired. Add frozen peas to broth mixture; cook uncovered 2 min. or until tender. Season with salt as desired. Place equal amt. of beef strips into 4 serving bowls. Ladle equal amounts of broth mixture over beef.
Notes: One pound beef shoulder center steaks cut 3/4-inch thick can be substituted.
Number of servings: 4
