We’re supposed to be skiing today, but no dice. Best to make some soup and enjoy the day de-Christmasing the house and puttering about.
This is a simple soup with very basic ingredients. You start with the typical onion and garlic combo – chop up small and saute with whatever oil makes you happy. I chose olive oil today. Toss in a pound or so of ground beef and let it cook a bit.
I don’t know about you, but there’s something awesome about the smell of garlic and onion working away in a pan. Sooooo great!!
Once the meat is browned, toss in the rest of the ingredients and simmer for an hour or so, till the barley is soft.
Enjoy it with a slab of fresh bread and your fav cheese. YUM!!
Hamburger Soup
1 medium onion, chopped fine
1 or more garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 28 oz can tomatoes, whole (but smoosh them up when you put them in the pot)
1 box beef stock (4 cups) or equivalent (home made stock, OXO beef cubes in water, consommé)
1 can tomato soup
4 carrots, chopped fine
3 sticks celery, chopped fine
1/2 cup barley
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp thyme
salt, pepper – maybe some parsley if you like that