SWEET POTATO BEEF BARLEY SOUP

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Sweet Potato Beef Barley Soup image

When you have very little in the way of finances, you get creative. I developed this one when I was between jobs and using the Food Bank to supplement my pantry, as they always had barley in their stock and I was able to get ground beef occasionally. It makes a very hearty soup and freezes beautifully.

Provided by Chef JTwombly

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 1h

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 lbs sweet potatoes, cubed
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 onion, minced
2 tablespoons garlic
1 lb lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups pearl barley
1 teaspoon salt and pepper, each
3 -4 cups water or 3 -4 cups broth, of choice

Steps:

  • Set cubed sweet potatoes in a pot and cover with water, Add salt. Partly cover and cook on high until fork tender. When cooked through, turn down to med-low, leave potatoes in the water and mash with potato masher until consistency of loose oatmeal. If you like a smoother texture use a immersion blender to puree.
  • While potatoes are cooking saute onion on med-high heat until translucent and add garlic. Cook for one minute more then add ground beef, salt, and pepper.
  • Once beef is cooked half way, add barley, stirring constantly for one minute. Now add 1/2 cup of water or broth to the mix. Stir occasionally to keep from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
  • Continue to add water/broth while it absorbs (shouldn't take long and doesn't take all the liquid usually) until barley is al dente and meat is cooked through.
  • Add meat mix to pot of sweet potato and stir well. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve with fresh bread and butter.
  • ***This will thicken more as the barley continues to absorb liquid and release starch, so if you find it's too thick just add some water to thin out. I like mine a little thicker so i don't bother. When it's properly chilled it is quite firm (can be 'cut' into serving sizes from a container with a spoon) but will loosen up as it warms up.***.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 577.2, Fat 8.3, SaturatedFat 3.2, Cholesterol 49.1, Sodium 1388, Carbohydrate 101.5, Fiber 17.1, Sugar 13.5, Protein 25.1

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