Lughnasadh Beef Barley Soup

A Bowl of Harvest Gratitude

Lughnasadh is a time of abundance, hard work, and giving thanks for the earth's bounty. This slow-simmered Beef Barley Soup embodies the spirit of the first harvest — rich, nourishing, and made with patience and intention. Let the long simmer be a meditation on gratitude for all that has grown this season.

Ingredients

• 2 quarts water
• 1 soup bone with meat on
• ½ cup celery tops
• 1 tbsp. salt
• ½ tsp. pepper
• ½ cup uncooked barley
• 3 cups coarsely chopped cabbage
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 2 cups sliced parsnips
• 2 cups thinly sliced onions
• 1 can (12 oz.) tomato paste

Method

1. Combine the water, soup bone, and celery tops in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then cover tightly.
2. Simmer for 2 hours, allowing the broth to deepen and the meat to become tender.
3. Remove the bone and chop the meat into bite-sized pieces.
4. Stir the barley and chopped meat back into the pot. Cook for 30 minutes.
5. Add the cabbage, celery, parsnips, onions, and tomato paste. Stir well.
6. Simmer for a further 30 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread.

Ritual Intention

As the soup simmers, stir clockwise to draw in abundance and warmth. With each addition of vegetables, name something from your life that has come to fruition this year. This is a soup of thanksgiving — let it fill your home with the scent of the harvest and your heart with gratitude.

🕯️ Complete Your Lughnasadh Ritual

While your soup simmers, light our Lughnasadh (Lammas) Candle to fill your space with the warmth and intention of the first harvest. It's the perfect companion for a slow, sacred cook.

Blessed Lughnasadh. 🌾