Ingredients

• 2 thick slices beef shank
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups chicken broth, or more as needed
• ⅔ cup diced celery
• ⅔ cup diced carrots
• ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ cup pearl barley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated raw horseradish, or to taste (optional, for added kick)

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time

• Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Total Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Servings

• Servings: 4-6

Steps to Make the Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Shank

1. Season the Beef: Begin by patting the beef shank slices dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper. This will help enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef shank slices. Brown the beef on both sides for 4-5 minutes until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust. This step is crucial as it will deepen the flavor of the broth. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft. The garlic should become fragrant but not burnt.
2. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This will give the soup a rich, savory base and a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings

1. Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits of meat and vegetables. These bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will enrich the broth.
2. Add the Vegetables: Add the diced carrots, celery, dried rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. Return the Beef to the Pot: Place the browned beef shank slices back into the pot, nestling them into the broth and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the beef becomes tender.

Step 4: Add the Barley and Continue Cooking

1. Add the Pearl Barley: After the beef has become tender, add the pearl barley to the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring the barley is submerged in the broth. Continue simmering for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and fully cooked. Add more chicken broth or water if the soup becomes too thick.
2. Check for Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If you like a little heat, add freshly grated horseradish at this stage. It provides a subtle but flavorful kick that complements the richness of the beef.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

1. Shred the Beef: Remove the beef shank from the soup and shred the meat off the bone. Return the shredded beef to the pot and discard the bones. Stir to combine.
2. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 7g
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Why This Recipe is Timeless

The appeal of Beef Shank Soup with Pearl Barley lies in its simplicity, heartiness, and depth of flavor. It’s a dish that evokes memories of home-cooked meals passed down through generations. The beef shank, while tough initially, becomes incredibly tender and flavorful after slow cooking, which makes it ideal for soups and stews. As it simmers, the beef imparts a deep, rich flavor to the broth, creating a comforting, hearty base that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Pearl barley, a humble yet nutritious grain, plays a crucial role in this soup. It adds texture and chew while absorbing the flavors of the broth. Its subtle nuttiness complements the earthiness of the vegetables and the beef, creating a well-balanced and satisfying dish. The combination of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, alongside aromatic herbs like rosemary and bay leaf, enhances the overall flavor profile, making each spoonful a delightful experience.

This soup is also a one-pot meal, making it easy to prepare and clean up afterward. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a weekend family dinner or holiday gathering. The versatility of this dish allows it to be adapted to various tastes—feel free to adjust the herbs and vegetables to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Moreover, the health benefits of this soup are undeniable. Packed with lean protein from the beef, fiber from the pearl barley, and vitamins from the vegetables, this soup is not only nourishing but also filling. It offers a perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, making it a well-rounded meal.

In addition, this recipe is flexible and forgiving, allowing you to make it ahead of time. Like many stews and soups, this dish only gets better with time as the flavors meld together. Whether you’re preparing it in advance for a busy week or making it fresh for a special occasion, Beef Shank Soup with Pearl Barley is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of meat in this soup?
A: Yes, you can substitute beef shank with beef stew meat, oxtail, or even lamb shank. Each will add its own unique flavor to the soup, though beef shank provides a particularly rich, savory taste.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! To make this soup in a slow cooker, brown the beef in a pan as directed, then transfer all the ingredients (including the beef) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! This soup actually benefits from being made ahead. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the beef and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add mushrooms or tofu for protein, and adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavors.

Tips for Making the Best Beef Shank Soup

1. Brown the Beef Properly: Don’t rush the browning step. A good sear on the beef shank slices will add depth and richness to the soup. Make sure to brown the meat on both sides for maximum flavor.
2. Add More Broth if Needed: The pearl barley will absorb a lot of liquid as it cooks. Keep an eye on the soup and add extra broth or water if it becomes too thick.
3. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste as you go! Depending on the strength of your broth and vegetables, you might need to adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs.
4. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and parsley can elevate the flavor of this soup. If you only have dried herbs, use them in moderation, as they tend to be more potent than fresh.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stove.

Conclusion

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of Beef Shank Soup with Pearl Barley. Whether you’re savoring it on a chilly evening or sharing it with loved ones, this dish offers warmth, flavor, and heartiness in every spoonful. The combination of tender beef, nutty barley, and aromatic herbs creates a deliciously complex yet approachable meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, bring this timeless recipe to life, and enjoy a hearty bowl of comfort that will leave everyone asking for seconds!