Hamburger-Barley Soup

Make a day ahead and let the flavors meld.

• Ready In: 1 hr 35 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  teaspoon  vegetable oil
• 1  lb lean ground beef
• 1  large yellow onion, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 2  stalks celery, chopped
• 2  carrots, chopped
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can whole tomatoes, coarsely chopped, with juice
• 1⁄2 cup pearl barley, thoroughly washed
• 4  cups  beef stock or 4  cups beef broth
• 1  cup water
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1  bay leaf
• 1  teaspoon salt
•  fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a large soup pot over medium heat, let the oil get warmed.
2. Add the meat, onion, garlic, celery, and carrot; stir/saute for 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon--cook until meat is no longer pink.
3. Add in the remaining ingredients; bring to a boil.
4. Lower heat to medium-low and cook, covered, for about 1 hour or until vegetables and barley are tender.
5. Remove bay leaf and throw away.