BEEF BARLEY SOUP ~ BLOG 366.103

This homemade beef barley soup is a complete meal in a bowl! Add a toasted cheese sandwich for a decadent treat.

BEEF BARLEY SOUP

1 + 1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 + 1 tablespoon butter
1 LARGE onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, sliced
1 rib celery, sliced
2 cups stew beef pieces
1/2 cup flour
6 cups beef broth
1 can petite diced tomatoes 14-15 oz, undrained
½ green pepper diced
⅔ cup pearl barley
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
1 package beef gravy mix (optional)
2 tablespoons red wine (optional)
2 tablespoons FRESH parsley or 2 teaspoons dried
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Dredge meat pieces in flour.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon each of oil and butter in skillet.
  • Cook onions and garlic in oil over medium heat until softened. Set aside.
  • Add additional butter and oil.
  • Brown beef pieces until seared.
  • Add back in onions and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer covered about 40-50 minutes or until barley is cooked.

NOTE: Soup will thicken upon cooling, add extra broth (or water) to reach desired consistency when re-heating.

BUFFALO CHICKEN SLOPPY JOES ~ BLOG 366.

BUFFALO CHICKEN SLOPPY JOES adapted from Rachel Ray
1-1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
3/4-1 cup Frank’s original Buffalo Wing Sauce
3/4-1 cup homemade ranch dressing
1 carrot, FINELY diced
2 celery stalks, FINELY diced
1 SMALL Vidalia onion FINELY diced
1/4 cup of brown sugar
Hawaiian or Egg Buns
Bleu cheese crumbles, optional

  • In a large skillet melt 1 tablespoon avocado oil.
  • Add carrots, celery and onion, sauteing 3-5 minutes.
  • Add chicken, cooking until browned and veggies are softened.
  • Add in wing sauce and ranch dressing stirring to blend flavors.
  • Add in brown sugar. If sauce is too spicy, add another 1/4 cup 😀
  • Serve on a bun with crumbles if desired.
  • Add extra ranch as needed.

NOTE: Bleu cheese dressing substitutes well for the ranch if you prefer.

ORIGINALLY POSTED JULY 31, 2011, updated for content and photo