Chef John's Beef and Barley Stew Hearty Beef and Barley Stew with Root Vegetables and Herbs Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 carrots, sliced 2 stalks celery, sliced 1 parsnip or turnip, peeled and diced (optional) 1 cup pearl barley 8 cups beef broth 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 bay leaf Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Directions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, then set aside. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more to deepen the flavor. Return the beef to the pot along with carrots, celery, parsnip (if using), barley, thyme, bay leaf, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Discard the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings #beefandbarleystew #heartymeals #comfortfood #soulfood #chefjohnrecipe #winterwarmers #onepotmeal #stewseason #wholesomecooking #classicrecipes #barleydishes #slowcookedbeef #dutchovenrecipes #homemadestew #rootvegetables #herbandbeef #heartyrecipes #simmeredgoodness #beefstewlove #familydinners Nothing warms the soul like a steaming bowl of Beef and Barley Stew! This Chef John classic is rich, rustic, and full of deep flavor.

Beef and Oxtail Soup Slow-Simmered Beef and Oxtail Soup with Root Vegetables and Herbs Ingredients: 1 lb oxtail pieces 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 large onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 carrots, sliced 2 celery stalks, sliced 1 large potato, cubed 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon black pepper Salt to taste 8 cups beef broth or water 2 tablespoons tomato paste Fresh parsley, for garnish Directions: Heat vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Brown oxtail and beef stew meat in batches, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Return the meat to the pot. Add bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Pour in beef broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until meat is tender and falling off the bone. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes. Continue to simmer for another 25–30 minutes, until vegetables are soft. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings #beefandoxtailsoup #heartymeals #comfortfood #slowcooked #souprecipe #winterwarmer #beefsoup #bonebroth #homemadesoup #oxtailrecipes #onepotmeals #comfortinabowl #slowcookedsoup #rootvegetables #beeflovers #familydinner #traditionalrecipes #soulfood #herbysoups #meatysoup There’s nothing like a slow-simmered Beef and Oxtail Soup to warm your soul. Tender meat, rich broth, and hearty veggies—this is comfort in a bowl!

Southern Chicken and Waffle Pasta Crispy Chicken & Maple Cream Pasta with Waffle Crumble Ingredients: 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste Vegetable oil for frying 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for roux) 1 1/2 cups milk 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/3 cup maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 Belgian waffle, toasted and crumbled (or 1 cup mini waffle pieces) Fresh thyme or chopped chives for garnish Directions: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Slice the chicken breasts into strips, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Soak in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes. Dredge chicken in flour and fry in hot oil until golden and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened. Stir in maple syrup, nutmeg, Dijon mustard, and cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce. Plate the pasta and top with crispy chicken and toasted waffle crumble. Garnish with fresh thyme or chives. Serve warm. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 680 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #southernpasta #chickenandwaffles #comfortfoodrecipes #maplecheddarsauce #crispychicken #soulfoodtwist #pastaideas #fusionrecipes #chickenpasta #cheesysauce #buttermilkchicken #wafflecrumbles #southerninspired #decadentdinners #creativecooking #pastanight #savorysweetcombo #maplesyrupmagic #brunchdinner #flavorfusion Pasta meets the South! This Southern Chicken and Waffle Pasta brings crispy buttermilk chicken, maple cheddar sauce, and waffle crumble together in one unforgettable dish

Chicken and Collard Green Soup Hearty Chicken & Collard Green Soup with Garlic and Herbs Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 carrots, sliced 2 celery stalks, chopped 6 cups chicken broth 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded (or use rotisserie) 3 cups chopped collard greens, stems removed 1 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp smoked paprika Salt and black pepper, to taste Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness) Directions: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic, thyme, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute more. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add shredded chicken and chopped collard greens. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until greens are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread, if desired. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 310 kcal (per serving) | Servings: 4 servings #chickensoup #collardgreens #souprecipe #comfortfood #southerncooking #greensoup #homemadesoup #chickenbroth #nutritiousmeals #easyrecipes #heartybowl #healthycomfortfood #simpleingredients #garlicherbs #seasonalsoup #cozykitchen #lowcarbdinner #soupforfall #southernsoulfood #realfoodrecipe A warm bowl of goodness This Chicken & Collard Green Soup is rustic, flavorful, and perfect for soul-soothing comfort.

Japanese Chicken Ramen with Soft-Boiled Egg Soul-Warming Chicken Ramen with Marinated Eggs and Umami Broth Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 2 soft-boiled eggs 4 cups chicken broth 2 cups water 2 packs fresh ramen noodles (or dried if unavailable) 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon mirin 1 tablespoon miso paste 1 teaspoon sesame oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 green onion, sliced 1/2 cup corn kernels 1/2 cup bamboo shoots (optional) Nori sheets, for garnish Salt and pepper, to taste Directions: Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Sear chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute. Add chicken broth, water, soy sauce, mirin, and miso paste. Stir to combine. Return chicken thighs to the broth. Simmer gently for 20 minutes, covered, until chicken is tender. Remove chicken, slice thinly, and set aside. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and divide between two large bowls. Slice soft-boiled eggs in half. Top noodles with sliced chicken, egg halves, corn, bamboo shoots, green onion, and nori. Pour hot broth over the toppings. Drizzle with sesame oil. Serve immediately, with extra soy sauce or chili oil on the side if desired. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 540 kcal | Servings: 2 servings #ramenlove #chickenramen #softboiledeggs #japanesefood #comfortsoup #asianrecipes #homemaderamen #ramenbowl #soulfood #easyrecipes #weeknightmeals #misobroth #quickdinners #umamiflavor #noodlesoup #heartymeals #ramenrecipe #foodphotography #noodlelovers #cozykitchen Just whipped up this soul-warming Japanese Chicken Ramen ! Juicy chicken, savory miso broth, and that perfect soft-boiled egg make every bite heavenly