Print

Vegetable Barley Soup

Vegetable Barley Soup
Print Recipe

Warm up with hearty Vegetable Barley Soup—nutritious, filling, and perfect for cozying up on chilly cold days. This comforting soup combines tender pearled barley with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables in a flavorful vegetable broth, creating a balanced dish that is both satisfying and nourishing. Ideal as a wholesome lunch, light dinner, or soothing meal, it keeps you energized and warm without feeling heavy.

Ingredients

Scale

Grains and Broth

  • 1 cup pearled barley
  • 6 cups vegetable broth

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Other

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Vegetables: Begin by finely chopping the carrots, celery, and onions to create a flavorful base. Mince the garlic and dice the tomatoes. Rinse the pearled barley thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add Barley and Liquids: Stir in the rinsed pearled barley, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaves. Mix well and bring the soup to a boil.
  4. Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup gently simmer for 40-50 minutes until the barley is tender yet still chewy, and the vegetables have melded with the broth.
  5. Season and Finish: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Rinse the barley to remove excess starch and ensure a cleaner broth.
  • Do not overcook barley; it should remain tender but pleasantly chewy.
  • Using homemade vegetable broth will enhance the flavor significantly.
  • Sauté vegetables slowly to draw out their natural sweetness before adding liquids.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetable barley soup, hearty soup, barley soup, nutritious soup, vegetarian soup, warming soup, cold weather recipe

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/vegetable-barley-soup/