Ingredients and Weight:
- Beef: 500 grams (about 1 pound)
- Barley: 1 cup (dry)
- Carrots: 2 medium, sliced
- Celery: 2 ribs, chopped
- Onion: 1 large, diced
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced
- Fresh herbs (such as oregano, basil, or thyme): 1 tablespoon dried or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Water or beef broth: 6-8 cups
- Additional vegetables (optional): such as potatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers
Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including prep and cooking time)
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low heat in a slow cooker
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients except additional vegetables.
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and let it cook for 6-8 hours.
- After 6-8 hours, add the additional vegetables if using and let them cook for another 30 minutes to an hour.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or rice.
Nutritional Information:
(Based on the given ingredients and assuming no additional oil or seasoning salt is added)
Calories per serving (assuming 8 servings): Approximately 300-400 calories each (depending on the additional vegetables and serving size)
Protein: 30-40 grams
Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams (mostly from barley and vegetables)
Fat: 10-15 grams (mostly from the beef)
Fiber: 8-12 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Slow cooked, rich and flavorful soup with a combination of beef, barley, and fresh vegetables.
- The soup has a rich, hearty texture with a slightly sweet and savory taste.
- It's a nourishing dish that's perfect for colder weather or as a comforting meal.
User Comments:
- "This soup was so comforting and filling! The combination of beef and barley was delicious."
- "I added some potatoes and mushrooms to the soup, it made it even more flavorful."
- "This is a great dish for a chilly winter day. The slow cooker made it so easy to prepare."
- "The soup was quite hearty and satisfying. The fresh herbs added a nice touch."
- "I would definitely make this again, it's a great dish for a family meal."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to use a slow cooker set on low heat to ensure the ingredients cook evenly and don't burn.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- You can add more vegetables as per your preference or based on what's available in your local supermarket.
- If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can skip the beef and increase the vegetable content.
