250gbraising beeffat trimmed away and meat cut into small cubes
1large onionfinely chopped
200gswedediced
150gcarrotdiced
100gpearl barley
2litresbeef stock
2teaspoonsdry English mustardoptional
salt and pepper
chopped parsleyto garnish
Instructies
Heat the butter in a large saucepan, add the beef and onion and fry for 5 minutes, stirring, until the beef is browned and the onion just beginning to colour.
Stir in the diced vegetables, pearl barley, stock and mustard, if using. Season with salt and pepper and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for 1¾ hours, stirring occasionally until the meat and vegetables are very tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with a little chopped parsley. Serve with warm potato bannocks or farls.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
For lamb & barley hotchpot, substitute the beef for 250 g (8 oz) diced lamb fillet and fry with the onion as above. Add the sliced white part of 1 leek, 175 g (6 oz) each of diced swede, carrot and potato, then mix in 50 g (2 oz) pearl barley, 2 litres (3½ pints) lamb stock, 2–3 sprigs of rosemary and salt and pepper. Bring to the boil then cover and simmer for 1¾ hours. Discard the rosemary, add the remaining thinly sliced green leek and cook for 10 minutes. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with a little extra chopped rosemary to serve.