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KeepItSimpleAnnaSue

Wild and Wholesome Venison Barley Soup

5 from 1 vote
This is a hearty and healthy soup featuring tender venison, nutty barley, and wholesome vegetables, perfect for a nourishing meal!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 ½ lbs. ground venison (thawed)
  • 1 large onion (diced)
  • 3 cups chopped celery
  • 2 (10 oz.) bags of frozen vegetables (mixed, corn, peas) You choose!
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 3 (6 oz) cans of tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth or stock
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp. salt (add more to taste)
  • 1 tsp. black pepper (add more to taste)
  • 1 cup pearled barley

Equipment

  • large stock pot, soup pan, or crock pot
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons:
  • knife for cutting vegetables
  • can opener

Method
 

Stove Top Directions
  1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in the large cooking pot. Add the ground venison and the diced onion and cook until browned. Do not drain.
  2. Add and combine the chopped celery, frozen mixed veggies, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the bay leaves on top.
  3. Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring often.
  4. Once it comes to a boil, cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. Add the barley and stir until combined.
  6. Continue cooking until the barley is full and hydrated. This could take 30-45 minutes depending on the type of barley you used.
Crock Pot Directions
  1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in the large cooking pot. Add the ground venison and cook until browned. Do not drain.
    ground-venison-in-a-black-skillet
  2. Add the remaining ingredients—except the barley—into the slow cooker.
    cooked-venison-and-veggie-barley-soup-in-a-crockpot-with-bay-leaves-on-top
  3. Stir everything together and set the slow cooker to low heat for 6–8 hours or high heat for 3–4 hours.
  4. About 30–45 minutes before serving, add the pearl barley.
  5. Cooking time may vary depending on the type of barley and how hot your slow cooker is. Stir to combine and allow it to cook until tender.
    venison-barely-and-veggie-soup-in-a-vintage-bowl-with-a-blue-and-white-design-with-bay-leaves-on-top