Easy Vegetable Barley Soup Recipe

Easy Vegetable Barley Soup Recipe

This Easy Vegetable Barley Soup Recipe is a wholesome and satisfying soup packed with nutrition. Loaded with veggies, fiber-rich barley, and a flavorful broth, this soup is perfect for a comforting and delicious meal any time of the year.

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 15

Total Time 1 30

Servings servings

Calories 181kcal

Author Maria Vannelli RD

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
1 medium onion finely diced
½ teaspoon thyme dried
pinch chili flakes optional
2 carrots cut into ¼-inch pieces
2 stalks celery ribs cut into ¼-inch pieces
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cloves garlic minced
6-7 cups vegetable broth low sodium
¾ cup pearled barley rinsed and drained
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon lemon juice for topping
2 tablespoons parsley for topping
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onion, dried thyme, and a pinch of chili flakes (if using) to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, occasionally stirring until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the chopped carrots and celery and cook for another 5-7 minutes until they soften.
Add the tomato paste and stir continuously for about 3-5 minutes until it begins to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in 6-7 cups of vegetable stock. Add the rinsed and drained pearled barley and one bay leaf.
Bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat, bring it to a simmer, and slightly cover the pot.
Let the soup simmer for 50-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the barley is tender and cooked.
Remove bay leaf.
Taste and adjust seasonings for salt and pepper.
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Watch the video on the recipe card to see how easy this recipe is to make!

Video

Notes

Choose vegetables and herbs that are the freshest and best quality.
Let your soup simmer for at least an hour to give it time to develop a hearty and rich flavor.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings towards the end of the cooking time.
Experiment with different fresh herbs and spices. Try using rosemary, cumin, or paprika to enhance the flavor of the soup. Don't forget to add salt and black pepper too.
If you desire a thin or liquid consistency for your soup, add more vegetable broth at the end of the cooking time. Please note that the barley will absorb more liquid as it sits.

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used.

Nutrition