Description
A hearty and nutritious vegetable barley soup that warms you up with every spoonful. Packed with wholesome vegetables and pearl barley, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal prep option.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion
finely chopped
3 cloves garlic
minced
3 medium carrots
peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks
chopped
1 large potato
peeled and diced
1 zucchini
diced
1 cup mushrooms
sliced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
¾ cup pearl barley
rinsed
8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian option)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper
to taste
1 cup chopped kale or spinach (optional)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
- Stir in the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced potato, zucchini, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the diced tomatoes with juice, rinsed pearl barley, vegetable broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried basil, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
- If using, stir in the chopped kale or spinach, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Feel free to customize this soup with your favorite vegetables or legumes. It’s also great for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Soup
- Method: simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup,vegetable soup,barley soup,healthy soup,vegetarian recipe