Lamb or Beef Barley Soup

Serves 6

I love this barley soup. I usually make it when I have a leftover leg of lamb bone to use for the stock. However, it can be made with beef or a combination of both meats. Either way, it is an easy, delicious and hearty one pot meal needing only some crusty bread on the side.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound lamb or beef, cut into small cubes
• 4 cups low-sodium canned beef broth, or homemade broth made from lamb or beef bones (see the similar and related recipes)
• 1 cup water, if needed
• 1 cup tawny port wine
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) whole tomatoes, crushed, with juices
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 large stalk celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup medium barley (see notes below)
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 large garlic cloves, crushed

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Season the meat cubes with salt and pepper. Add to hot pot, in batches if necessary, and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients except the garlic. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until vegetables are tender and barley is thoroughly cooked, about 45 to 60 minutes. Add the crushed garlic and cook another 5 minutes. Taste for seasoning. Serve immediately. Soup is also very good leftover.

Notes: Adding garlic crushed in a press at the very end of the cooking adds a strong flavor that I like in some soups. If you prefer a milder garlic taste, add it at the beginning. Leftover lamb or beef can be used instead of fresh. Add it during the last 5 minutes, just to heat. Not all barley cooks the same. Some plumps more depending on type and age. If you prefer a thicker soup, wait to add the water until you see if you need more. If you do add more water, add a little more of the seasonings.