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Gordon Ramsay Beef Barley Soup Recipe 

Gordon Ramsay’s Beef Barley Soup is a classic, slow-cooked dish featuring seared beef, pearl barley, and a medley of vegetables in a rich broth. The beef becomes incredibly tender as it simmers, while the barley absorbs the flavors, giving the soup a satisfying, slightly chewy texture. This soup is a perfect balance of deep flavors, nutritious ingredients, and hearty textures.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup Base

  • 1 lb beef chuck or stew meat, cut into small cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 cups beef stock (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
  • ½ cup pearl barley
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for richness)

For Garnish & Serving

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Crusty bread or garlic toast
  • Extra cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

  1. Season the beef: Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
  2. Sear the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

  1. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
  2. Add seasonings: Stir in dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, bay leaf, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute to enhance flavors.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

  1. Add the broth: Pour in beef stock, stirring well to deglaze the pot.
  2. Return the beef: Add the seared beef back into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  3. Add the barley: Stir in the pearl barley and let the soup simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

  1. Adjust seasoning: Add balsamic vinegar (if using), taste, and adjust salt and pepper.
  2. Garnish and serve: Remove the bay leaf, ladle into bowls, and top with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread.