Hearty Elk and Barley Soup Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

This Hearty Elk and Barley Soup Recipe is a nourishing dish that combines tender elk meat with wholesome barley and vegetables. It’s perfect for warming up on chilly days and is packed with flavor and nutrients.

The recipe is straightforward and utilizes basic cooking techniques, making it accessible for home cooks. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Nutritious Elk and Barley Soup Recipe

This soup features succulent pieces of elk simmered with barley, carrots, and celery in a rich broth. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a total cooking time of 1 hour, serving approximately 6 people.

Ingredients

1 pound elk meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups beef or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 bay leaves
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
Brown the Elk: Add the elk meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Pour in the broth and add the rinsed barley and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves, adjust seasoning if necessary, and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.