Meaty Vegetable Bean Soup

📜 Collection: Gail Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Soups A hearty, traditional soup featuring meaty beef bones, navy beans, and barley simmered to perfection. This rustic recipe offers a deeply savory flavor profile that warms the soul.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
30 mins2 hours 30 mins3 hours (bean soaking)6–8 Servings

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Bowl for soaking
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients

Broth and Meat

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
3 PoundsBeef BonesMeaty
5 CupsWaterFor broth
1 1/2 TeaspoonsSaltFor broth

Beans and Grains

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
3/4 CupNavy BeansDry
3 CupsWaterWarm, for soaking beans
2 TablespoonsPearled BarleyUncooked
1 TeaspoonSaltFor beans and barley

Vegetables

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1/2 CupOnionSliced
1/2 CupCarrotSliced
1/2 CupLeeksSliced

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Soak

  1. Soak the 3/4 cup navy beans in 3 cups warm water for at least 3 hours.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth and Beans

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the 3 pounds meaty beef bones, 5 cups water, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
  2. Add the soaked navy beans, 2 tablespoons pearled barley, 1/2 cup sliced onion, 1/2 cup sliced carrot, and 1/2 cup sliced leeks along with 1 teaspoon salt.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2 hours or until the beans are completely tender and the meat is falling off the bones.

Step 3: Finishing

  1. Remove any large bones, shredding desired meat back into the soup.
  2. Simmer for a few final minutes until rich, aromatic, and piping hot.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store sealed in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Flavors deepen significantly after resting overnight.


Original Recipe Scan

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