Description
Enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of Vegetarian Barley Soup, packed with wholesome vegetables, tender barley, and fragrant herbs. This nutritious and comforting soup is perfect for a healthy, plant-based meal that boosts your fiber and nutrient intake. Ideal for cozy weeknights or meal prep, it’s a versatile addition to your vegetarian and vegan recipes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup pearl barley or hulled barley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup diced potatoes or sweet potatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the barley thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris. Dice the vegetables and prepare the garlic for sautéing, setting everything aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add rinsed barley to the pot, stirring to coat in the vegetables. Pour in vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes until the barley is tender.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
- Rinsing the barley removes excess starch and helps achieve a better texture.
- You can add greens like spinach or kale near the end for extra nutrients.
- For a protein boost, stir in cooked beans or lentils.
- This soup can be stored in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 200 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg