This nourishing hearty beef soup is full of the rich flavor that is often lacking when just using beef broth. Searing the stew meat as well as some beef shanks, really ups the flavor and heartiness of this outstanding and nourishing soup.
2 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces 2-3 pounds beef shanks, excess fat cut off 8 cups beef broth or water or a combination 15 ounces tomato sauce 1/2 cup red wine 2 onions, diced 2 stalks of celery, diced 2 carrots, diced 4 cloves of garlic, minced 1/2 ounce dried porcini mushrooms, chopped by hand or in food processor 2 bay leaves 1 tsp marjoram 1 cup kidney beans that have been soaked overnight. Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil to brown meat Cooked barley (optional)