Hearty Pressure Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

1. Season the Beef

Begin by seasoning the beef generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This foundational step enhances the meat's natural flavors.

2. Brown the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in your pressure cooker over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides, about 5 minutes per side, ensuring a deep, rich color. Browning the meat like this adds depth and complexity to the soup, locking in the savory juices. Once browned, remove the beef from the cooker and set it aside.

3. Cook Diced Vegetables

Add the diced carrots, diced onion, and diced celery to the cooker, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook these vegetables for about 6 minutes until they begin to soften. Transfer them to a heatproof bowl and set aside.

4. Brown Whole Vegetables

In the same cooker, add the whole carrot, halved onion, whole celery rib, and garlic cloves. Brown these for about 4 minutes, allowing them to release their flavors into the base of the soup.

5. Simmer with Wine

Pour in the dry white wine, simmering for about 4 minutes to cook off the alcohol, which will add a nuanced layer of flavor to the broth.

6. Add Main Ingredients

Add the chicken stock, fresh thyme sprigs, bay leaf, reserved beef, and pearled barley to the cooker. Ensure the liquid just covers all the ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.

7. Release Pressure and Prepare Beef

After the cooking time is complete, carefully use the pressure release valve to release the steam. Remove the beef from the cooker, discard any bones, and cut the meat into bite-sized chunks. Discard the thyme sprigs, large vegetable chunks, garlic cloves, and bay leaf, as they have served their purpose in flavoring the broth.

8. Finish the Soup

Stir in the reserved diced vegetables, fish sauce if using, and frozen sweet peas. Season the soup with additional salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup cook for a few more minutes until the peas are warmed through.