This hearty mushroom barley soup recipe elevates the humble barley grain and mushrooms into a satisfying, nutritious meal. The full flavors of fresh vegetables and earthy mushrooms, spiked with a hint of worcestershire and soy sauce, make this soup a perfect comfort dish for cold weather.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in any kitchen. However, pearl barley might not be in everyone's pantry. It's a whole grain similar to wheat and rice and can be found in the grains section of your supermarket. Worcestershire sauce, a fermented condiment with a tangy, sweet, and salty flavor, is usually found in the condiment aisle.
Ingredients for Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup
Butter: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding a rich and creamy flavor to the soup.
Onion: Provides a slightly sweet and savory flavor base for the soup.
Carrot: Adds color, sweetness, and essential vitamins to the soup.
Celery rib: Contributes to the aromatic base of the soup.
Mushrooms: Gives the soup an earthy flavor and meaty texture.
Beef broth: Forms the savory liquid base of the soup. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
Pearl barley: Adds a chewy texture and is a great source of dietary fiber.
Bay leaf: Infuses the soup with a subtle, herbal flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor to the soup.
Soy sauce: Enhances the savory, umami flavor of the soup.
Thyme: An herb that adds a touch of earthy mintiness to the soup.
One reader, Celeste Edmonds says:
This hearty mushroom barley soup recipe is a game-changer! The combination of earthy mushrooms and wholesome barley creates a rich, comforting flavor. The addition of Worcestershire and soy sauce adds depth, making it a standout dish. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Cooking Techniques for Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup Recipe
How to sauté vegetables: In a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and cook until the onion is tender. Then, add the mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
How to simmer soup: After adding the remaining ingredients to the saucepan, bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
How to discard bay leaf: Once the soup is done simmering, remove the bay leaf from the pot before serving.
How To Make Mushroom Barley Soup
Savor a warm, hearty dish with this mushroom barley soup. It’s cooked in beef broth with carrot and celery made flavorful with thyme and bay leaf.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspbutter
- 1onion,diced
- 1carrot,diced
- 1celery rib,chopped
- 8ozmushrooms,sliced or 1 can mushrooms
- 6cupsbeef broth,or vegetable broth
- ⅔cuppearl barley
- 1bay leaf
- 1½tspWorcestershire sauce
- 1tspsoy sauce
- ¼tspthyme
Instructions
-
Cook onion, carrot, and celery in butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until onion is tender. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes more.
-
Stir in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
-
Reduce heat and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes or until barley is tender.
-
Discard bay leaf and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 216.54kcal
- Fat: 4.21g
- Saturated Fat: 2.15g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.00g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.59g
- Carbohydrates: 33.99g
- Fiber: 7.05g
- Sugar: 5.72g
- Protein: 13.38g
- Cholesterol: 7.63mg
- Sodium: 833.35mg
- Calcium: 61.88mg
- Potassium: 1130.24mg
- Iron: 2.70mg
- Vitamin A: 154.82µg
- Vitamin C: 5.14mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup
When preparing the mushrooms for this soup, it's important to clean them properly to avoid any grit in your soup. Instead of rinsing them under water, which can make them soggy, gently wipe them with a damp paper towel or use a soft brush to remove any dirt. Also, remember to add the barley towards the end of the cooking process. This will ensure that it retains its texture and doesn't become too soft or mushy.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup
Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and tools before you start cooking to save time and avoid last-minute rushes.
Use pre-sliced mushrooms: Buying pre-sliced mushrooms can save you time on prep work.
Multi-task: While the soup is simmering, use that time to clean up your workspace and utensils to save time later.
Invest in a good quality vegetable chopper: A vegetable chopper can significantly reduce the time spent on chopping onions, carrots, and celery.
Make a double batch: Consider making a larger batch of soup and freezing the extra portions for quick and convenient meals in the future.
Substitute Ingredients For Mushroom Barley Soup Recipe
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the dish while also being a healthier alternative to butter.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian-friendly alternative and still provides a savory base for the soup.
pearl barley - Substitute with farro: Farro has a similar chewy texture and nutty flavor, making it a great substitute for pearl barley in this recipe.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar can add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor similar to Worcestershire sauce, enhancing the depth of the soup.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari, a type of soy sauce, can be used as a gluten-free alternative and provides a rich umami flavor to the soup.
thyme - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary can add a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the soup, complementing the mushrooms and barley.
Presentation Tips for Serving Mushroom Barley Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the hearty mushroom barley soup, focus on creating an elegant and refined presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the rich colors and textures of the soup, and ensure that the rim is clean and free of any spills or smudges.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of sophistication to the dish by garnishing with a sprig of fresh thyme or a drizzle of high-quality truffle oil. These delicate finishing touches will not only enhance the visual appeal but also elevate the overall flavor profile of the soup.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a contrasting element to the presentation, such as a small side dish of crispy croutons or a thinly sliced baguette served alongside the soup. This will provide a delightful textural dimension to the dining experience.
Emphasize precision: Pay close attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that the presentation is meticulously arranged. Aim for symmetry and balance, and use precise, deliberate movements when ladling the soup into the bowl.
Highlight the ingredients: Showcase the key ingredients of the soup by arranging the mushrooms and barley in an artful manner on the surface of the soup. This will draw attention to the wholesome and hearty nature of the dish.
Opt for minimalism: Embrace a minimalist approach to plating, allowing the natural beauty of the soup to take center stage. Avoid overcrowding the plate with excessive garnishes or distractions, and let the simplicity of the presentation speak volumes.
Consider the vessel: Select a vessel that complements the rustic charm of the soup, such as a classic ceramic bowl or a handcrafted artisanal piece. The choice of servingware can contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the dish.
Temperature contrast: For an added element of intrigue, consider serving the soup in a warm bowl to create a subtle temperature contrast, enhancing the sensory experience for the discerning diners.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and straight sides, used for making soups, sauces, and stews.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife with a broad and sharp blade, ideal for chopping and slicing vegetables and meats.
Cutting board: A durable board used to protect countertops when cutting or chopping ingredients.
Wooden spoon: A cooking utensil with a long handle, ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients in a saucepan.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential tools for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Soup ladle: A large, deep spoon with a long handle, used for serving soups and stews.
Vegetable peeler: A tool used to remove the outer skin or peel of vegetables and fruits.
Soup bowls: Deep, wide bowls used for serving the hearty mushroom barley soup.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Mushroom Barley Soup
Let the mushroom barley soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and diluting the flavors.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions:
- Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion.
- Label the containers with the date and contents.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer until the soup is frozen solid, then stack them to save space.
- Frozen mushroom barley soup will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup appears too thick, add a little broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Avoid repeatedly freezing and thawing the soup, as this can affect its texture and flavor. If you plan to use only a portion at a time, consider freezing the soup in smaller containers or ice cube trays for easy single servings.
How To Reheat Leftover Mushroom Barley Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover mushroom barley soup to a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is heated evenly without scorching or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Microwave method: pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large amount of leftover soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker, cover it with the lid, and heat on low for 1-2 hours or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is convenient if you want to reheat the soup without much supervision.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the leftover soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup before serving to ensure even heat distribution.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, make sure to stir the soup occasionally to prevent hot spots and ensure even heating. Additionally, always check the internal temperature of the soup with a food thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Interesting Fact About Mushroom Barley Soup
The barley in this soup is a great source of fiber, which can help promote a healthy digestive system. Additionally, mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants and essential nutrients, making this soup not only delicious but also nutritious.
Is Making Mushroom Barley Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This hearty mushroom barley soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, including mushrooms, barley, and beef broth, are affordable and readily available. With a rating of 9/10, this hearty soup offers great value for money. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical and satisfying meal choice.
Is This Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup Healthy?
This hearty mushroom barley soup recipe is a nutritious and wholesome choice. The ingredients used are mostly healthy, with mushrooms being low in calories and rich in antioxidants, while barley is a great source of fiber and nutrients. The use of vegetables like onion, carrot, and celery adds to the overall nutritional value of the soup. However, the recipe does include some less healthy elements, such as butter and a relatively high amount of sodium from the beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the butter with a healthier cooking oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil
- Use low-sodium beef broth or vegetable broth to reduce the overall sodium content
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the soup, such as adding diced tomatoes, spinach, or kale for added nutrients and fiber
- Experiment with different types of mushrooms, like shiitake or oyster mushrooms, for varied textures and flavors
- Add lean protein sources, such as diced chicken or turkey, to boost the protein content and make the soup more filling
- Use whole grain barley instead of pearl barley for added fiber and nutrients
- Season the soup with more herbs and spices, like garlic, rosemary, or paprika, to enhance the flavor without relying on excess salt
Editor's Opinion on This Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup Recipe
This hearty mushroom barley soup recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish. The combination of earthy mushrooms, tender barley, and savory broth creates a rich and flavorful soup. The addition of Worcestershire and soy sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish, while the carrots and celery provide a delightful crunch. The recipe is simple to follow and yields a delicious result. It's a perfect choice for a cozy night in or a hearty lunch.
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Why trust this Mushroom Barley Soup Recipe:
This hearty mushroom barley soup recipe is a comforting and nourishing dish that has been carefully crafted to deliver a rich and satisfying flavor. The combination of fresh mushrooms, hearty barley, and savory beef broth creates a wholesome and fulfilling experience. With the addition of aromatic thyme and the depth of flavor from Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, this recipe promises a delightful and robust soup that will warm both the body and soul. Trust in this recipe to bring a taste of home to your table.
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