I was determined to use the last of the shrivelling carrots I found in my fridge and whatever I could find in the cupboard and freezer to make a big pot of hearty soup this weekend. With Mr P and the electrician working outside and wanting lunch I thought I'd make a Man Soup and add some spicy Italian sausages I had in the freezer and lots of beef stock and red wine ... definitely more appealing for the men in the house!
This soup I whipped up is thick and hearty and full of flavour and was perfect paired with a loaf of freshly baked garlic and herb bread from my bread maker and slathered in butter .... yummo!
This soup I whipped up is thick and hearty and full of flavour and was perfect paired with a loaf of freshly baked garlic and herb bread from my bread maker and slathered in butter .... yummo!
Sausage and Barley Soup
Prep: 30-45 minutes and Cooking time: 4 hours
1 onion, finely chopped
3 carrots, finely chopped
3 celery stalks, finely chopped
3-4 mild Italian sausages, thinly sliced (or any flavoured sausages you like)
1 large tin chopped tomatoes
1 tbs tomato paste
6 cups beef stock
1-2 cups of water
1/2 cup red wine
1/2 cup pearl barley
Handful of fresh oregano and parsley, chopped (or 1 tbs dried mixed herbs if you don't have fresh)
Put the pearl barley in a pot of water and boil for 30 minutes (or soak overnight if you're organised) rinse well in cold water until ready to use
Heat oil in large soup pot on low-medium heat
Cook onion, carrots and celery, stirring until soft
Add the chopped sausages and cook, stirring until brown
Add a tin of tomatoes and the tomato paste
Pour in approx 6 cups of beef stock, 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of red wine
Stir and season well with freshly cracked pepper and salt
Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat to low and leave to cook for about 2.5-3 hours until it thickens and flavours
Add the pearl barley and cook for a further 30 minutes. The pearl barley will suck up the liquid so you may need to add more water or stock if it gets too thick
When ready, stir through fresh herbs and season to taste
Ladle into soup bowls, grate parmesan cheese on top and serve with some crusty buttered bread
[Images my own]
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YUM! That looks and sounds so good, maybe I'll give the recipe a try. I actually baked banana bread last night before my already-too-ripened bananas decomposed themselves in my fridge. HAHA It came out so good, so I'll be posting my recipe too! :)
ReplyDeleteI bet they really enjoyed that 'man soup'. Soft carrots are the worst!
ReplyDeleteThis looks SO yummy! I just might have to give it a whirl--the hubs is always looking for a new stew ;]
ReplyDeleteOh, and BTW, I've nominated you for a Liebster Award, if you'd like it! :] Drop by my page to find the rules and award button! Congrats!