Transform your weeknights with this easy ninja foodi beef barley soup recipe: convenience at your fingertips!

Embark on a culinary adventure with our mouthwatering Ninja Foodi Beef Barley Soup recipe. This hearty and flavorful soup is a symphony of textures and flavors that will warm your soul on a chilly day. Using the innovative Ninja Foodi, you can effortlessly create this soup with minimal effort, yielding a dish that will impress even the most discerning palate.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In the Ninja Foodi pot, heat the olive oil over the Sear/Sauté function. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add the Barley and Broth: Stir in the pearl barley, beef broth, and water. Season with thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
4. Pressure Cook: Close the Ninja Foodi lid and set the Pressure Cook function to High for 30 minutes.
5. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
6. Quick Release: Carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to the Venting position.
7. Thicken the Soup (Optional): If desired, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add to the soup and stir until thickened.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Savor the rich flavors and comforting warmth of this culinary masterpiece.

Tips for the Perfect Soup

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of beef and vegetable broth.
• Add a splash of red wine or beer to enhance the depth of flavor.
• If you don’t have pearl barley, you can substitute it with brown rice or farro.
• Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences.

Health Benefits of Beef Barley Soup

Beef barley soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits:

• High in Protein: Beef provides essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.
• Fiber-Rich: Barley is a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which promotes digestive health and satiety.
• Immune-Boosting: The vegetables in the soup provide antioxidants and vitamins that support the immune system.
• Hydrating: The broth helps rehydrate the body and replenish electrolytes.

Variations

• Vegetable Beef Barley Soup: Omit the beef and add more vegetables, such as peas, corn, or green beans.
• Creamy Beef Barley Soup: Puree a portion of the soup in a blender and add it back to the pot for a creamy texture.
• Spicy Beef Barley Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to give the soup a kick.

A Culinary Legacy: Passing on the Recipe

Share the joy of this Ninja Foodi Beef Barley Soup recipe with your loved ones. It’s a culinary legacy that will be cherished for generations to come. Write it down in a family cookbook, teach it to your children, and inspire a new generation of home cooks.

Questions You May Have

Q: Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen beef. Thaw it completely before browning.
Q: How can I store leftover soup?
A: Let the soup cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: What can I do if my soup is too thick?
A: Add more beef broth or water to thin it out.