Warm up your kitchen and your soul with a bowl of hearty Barley Soup with Vegetables! This delightful American classic is not only a comforting dish but also a nutritious powerhouse packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of cooking, you can whip up a delicious meal that serves six, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Dive into this recipe and discover how simple ingredients can come together to create a comforting bowl of goodness that will leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup barley
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the barley thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dust or debris, then drain well.
- In a large soup pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced carrots and celery to the pot, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed barley to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, and sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent barley from sticking to the bottom.
- Check the barley for tenderness. The soup is ready when the barley is soft but still has a slight bite to it.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into warm bowls and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Tips
- Rinse the Barley: Always rinse your barley thoroughly before cooking to remove any dust or debris. This will ensure a cleaner taste and better texture in your soup.
- Sautéing Vegetables: Don’t rush the sautéing process! Taking the time to cook the onions until they’re translucent and the carrots and celery until they’re slightly softened will enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
- Broth Choice: Use a high-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor. Homemade broth can elevate your soup, but store-bought works well too.
- Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference. A little extra oregano can also enhance the herbaceous notes.
- Resting Time: Allow the soup to rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully, making each spoonful even more delicious.
- Garnishing: For an extra touch, consider garnishing your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness!
- Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, so consider making a double batch for future meals!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
