What goes with Beef and barley soup

[newcook]

Hi all,
I was invited to a pot-luck lunch where the main meal is a substantial beef and barley soup. We were asked to bring along a dish to complement the soup which will be served as the main meal. I will have about an hour to travel but I do have a dish that keeps food warm for 2 hours. There will be young children there so very spicy is out. I would need something not too involved because I am not a pro yet. Any suggestions?
Daniele

[wallycat]

I was thinking freshly baked bread :D or rolls.
Otherwise a green salad.

Curious what others would bring.

[hAndyman]

Like Wallycat, I'd bring fresh baked brown bread, newcook, but I'd skip the salad (I'm not fond of soup and salad together for some reason) and I'd bring along a cheese plate as well.
Cheers! Andy:)

[valchemist]

speaking of which, does anyone have a tried and true beef and barley soup recipe? my DH's mom used to make one and he said he'd like to have it again.

[Mareli]

TO answer the original question....I was going to say fresh bread or rolls also. A salad is always good, but especially if there are vegies in the soup, I don't feel too inclined to have salad too.

Here is a recipe that my SIL gave me several years ago that we like. I will type the recipe as she gave it to me, and put some of my changes in parenthesis. I always tweet the herbs and spices, so depending on how I feel there is more or less in any given batch of soup.

Beef Barley Soup

1 lb lean beef, cubed
1 T. olive oil
8 cups beef broth
1/2 cup barley
1 tsp basil ( I use more)
1 tsp garlic powder (I use more)
1 tsp salt
2 cups thinly sliced carrots (I usually double this)
1 cup frozen peas (I put 1.5-2 cups)
1/4 cup onion (I double)

Brown beef in oil.
Add broth. Bring to a boil.
Add barley, basil, garlic powder and salt.
Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
Add vegies, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Enjoy!

[newcook]

Thanks for the replies, it seems like bread rolls wins out. My only concern is that with 6 families in attendance we will all end up bringing rolls. Maybe I'll throw in a desert as well just to be on the safe side.
Daniele

[valchemist]

thanks, Mareli!

looks great.

[AvrilH]

I was thinking that salad and bread would be everywhere! My impulse was to definitely bring a dessert. Or a vegetarian panini? (Large loaf hollowed out and filled with veggies, then wrapped very tightly to compress and allow the flavours to blend).

[acookinNYCity]

What about brown bread with a flvored spread. Barefoot Contessa made a tomato soup with a whole grain bread and an herbed goat cheese spread on it.
If you like the idea of brown bread try cream cheese - you could make a flavored cream cheese or herbed goat. Even both if you want they are very easy. Pick you herb or fruit and stir in. Spreads give people options and you are not just bringing rolls.
Also for a dessert especially for the kids CL has those great gooey brownies with the peanut butter and marshmallows. Awesome.
Just a thought.

Erin;)

[Ohioan]

How about some nice green beans, either dilled or with almonds? A heavy meat-and-starch soup could probably use something green on the side, something that doesn't partake of the soup taste, as veggies in the soup would do.

Cheers,
Phoebe

[newcook]

Wow, what great ideas for the panini and for the spread. The only panini I found on the search is one for roasted vegetable panini but it is for sandwiches. Would you have a vegetarian panini recipe to share?

much appreciated,
Daniele

[Kathy B]

Some fresh fruit might be nice. Personally I love to eat oranges after a soup and bread meal, or you could take a fresh pineapple, sliced, some melon, or even a platter with assorted fruits. A platter is nice when there are kids, because usually there will be something on it that they like, even if they are picky eaters.