BEEF BARLEY SOUP WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix the flour, salt and pepper; sprinkle over beef and toss to coat. In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add beef; brown evenly. Remove from the pan., In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushroom, onion and fennel; cook and stir for 4-5 minutes or until tender. Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add stock and water, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Return beef to pan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until meat is tender, 40-60 minutes., Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425°. Place the squash, potato and carrots on a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan; drizzle with remaining oil and toss to coat. Bake until vegetables are almost tender, 20-25 minutes, stirring twice, . , Add barley, thyme, nutmeg and roasted vegetables to soup; return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until barley is tender, about 10-12 minutes longer. Sprinkle with parsley. Freeze option: Freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or water if necessary.