Hearty Vegetable Beef Barley Soup

 

1 pound lean ground sirloin

˝ c. chopped onion

2 medium carrots, sliced

2 cloves garlic, shopped

4 ˝ c. beef broth

1 c. uncooked pearl barley

1 can (6-oz) tomato paste

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

˝ t. each salt and pepper

2 c. (10 –oz) fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels

5 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 c. fresh or thawed frozen green peas

 

In a large deep, non stick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef, onion, carrots and garlic, about 4 minutes.  Drain off fat.  Stir in broth, barley, tomato paste, parsley, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 hour or until barley is tender, adding up to 1 ˝ c. water if mixture seems dry or thick.  Add corn, beans, peas, cover and cook 15 minutes or until beans are tender.