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Vegetable Barley Soup

Vegetable Barley Soup
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Vegetable Barley Soup is a wholesome, hearty soup combining chewy pearled barley with fresh, vibrant vegetables. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, it offers nourishing slow-digesting carbohydrates and a delicious texture, making it a perfect comforting meal any time of the year.

Ingredients

Scale

Grains and Base

  • 1 cup pearled barley, rinsed
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup green beans or peas, trimmed

Herbs and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the pearled barley under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they soften and become fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add Vegetables and Barley: Stir in carrots, celery, and any other sturdy vegetables first, sautéing slightly to blend the flavors. Then add the rinsed barley and stir to coat it in the aromatic mixture.
  4. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer gently, uncovered, for around 40 minutes or until the barley is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
  5. Add Delicate Vegetables and Season: About 10 minutes before the end, add quick-cooking vegetables like green beans or peas and fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let everything meld together.
  6. Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy immediately, or garnish as desired with fresh parsley, olive oil drizzle, or grated Parmesan cheese (optional).

Notes

  • Always rinse barley beforehand to prevent excessive cloudiness and improve texture.
  • Don’t rush the sautéing of aromatics—they build the foundation for a rich-tasting soup.
  • Slow simmering allows barley to cook evenly and absorb the broth’s flavor.
  • Adding fresh parsley or thyme near the end brightens the soup immensely.
  • If the soup thickens too much during cooking, add extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetable barley soup, hearty soup, vegan soup, healthy soup, barley soup, fiber-rich soup

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