Rustic Beef and Barley Soup

Ingredients

Stewing beef

1 lb, cut into chunks

Barley

1 cup

Carrots

2, diced

Celery

2 stalks, diced

Onion

1, chopped

Garlic

2 cloves, minced

Beef broth

6 cups

Tomato paste

1 tablespoon

Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well to coat the vegetables.
5. Return the beef to the pot. Add the barley and beef broth. Bring the soup to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste before serving warm.