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Vegetable Barley Soup

Vegetable Barley Soup
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Vegetable Barley Soup is a hearty, wholesome, and comforting recipe combining tender pearl barley with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables simmered in savory vegetable broth. This easy-to-make soup is packed with nutrients, versatile in flavor, and perfect for any season, offering a satisfying homemade meal that warms the body and soul.

Ingredients

Scale

Grains and Broth

  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 6 cups vegetable broth

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Other

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse the pearl barley under cold water thoroughly to remove excess starch. Chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and balanced texture.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5–7 minutes, forming a flavorful base.
  3. Add Barley and Liquids: Stir in the rinsed barley, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let the barley absorb flavors and swell, thickening the soup.
  4. Incorporate Remaining Vegetables and Herbs: Approximately halfway through cooking (after about 20 minutes), add green beans, leafy greens (spinach or kale), thyme, and bay leaf. Continue simmering to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Season and Simmer: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer gently for a total of 40 to 50 minutes, or until barley is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

Notes

  • Rinse barley well to prevent cloudiness in the soup.
  • Sauté aromatics first to unlock deep, rich flavors.
  • Simmer soup gently to fully develop flavor without overcooking vegetables.
  • Add leafy greens near the end to preserve color and nutrients.
  • Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth for a thinner consistency or reducing it for heartiness.
  • Quick-cooking barley can be used to reduce cooking time but may change texture slightly.
  • This soup is naturally vegan if using vegetable broth and omitting dairy garnishes.
  • For slow cooker method, sauté aromatics and then cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
  • Freeze cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetable barley soup, hearty soup, healthy soup, vegan soup, comforting meal, easy soup, gluten free soup option

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