Imagine a soup so hearty and rich that it transforms an ordinary day into a culinary celebration. This Slow Cooker Bacon Hock Barley Soup is not just a meal - it's a warm hug in a bowl that promises to transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with irresistible aromas. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bacon hock
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 4 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the carrots and celery, chop the onion, and rinse the pearl barley under cold water to remove any dust or debris.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, lightly sear the bacon hock on all sides until it is golden brown. This step enhances the flavor of the soup.
- Once the bacon hock is seared, transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the diced carrots, diced celery, and chopped onion around the hock.
- Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, ensuring that the bacon hock is submerged in the liquid. If necessary, add more broth or water to cover the ingredients.
- Add 1 cup of pearl barley to the slow cooker, followed by the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the bacon hock will also contribute saltiness to the dish.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 6 hours, check the tenderness of the barley and the vegetables. The soup should be thickened, and the flavors well developed.
- Carefully remove the bacon hock from the slow cooker. Allow it to cool slightly before shredding the meat from the bone. Discard the bone and any excess fat.
- Add the shredded bacon hock back into the soup, stirring well to combine. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty Slow Cooker Bacon Hock Barley Soup!
Tips
- Searing the bacon hock before slow cooking is crucial - it develops a deeper, more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
- Use pearl barley for the best texture. Rinse it thoroughly to remove any dust and ensure a clean taste.
- Don't rush the cooking process. The 6-hour slow cook time allows flavors to meld and the meat to become incredibly tender.
- If the soup seems too thick during cooking, you can add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the slow cooker.
- The soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance and reheat.
- For a lighter version, you can skim off any excess fat that rises to the top during cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg
