Immerse yourself in the warmth and comfort of this hearty vegetable barley soup. Packed full of wholesome ingredients, this soup will not only fill you up but also provide a healthy dose of nutrients. Perfect for those chilly evenings or when you're in need of some good old comfort food.
The ingredients for this recipe are quite common and should be readily available in your local supermarket. However, you might need to look in the grains or rice aisle for the pearl barley, a key ingredient in this recipe. Not to be confused with hulled barley or barley grits, pearl barley has been polished to remove the tough outer hull, making it more palatable and quicker to cook.
Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup Ingredients
Olive oil: A healthy cooking oil used to sauté the vegetables.
Onion: Provides a base flavor for the soup.
Pearl barley: A whole grain that adds a chewy texture and is a great source of fiber.
Canned tomatoes: Adds a tangy flavor and rich color to the soup.
Potato: Adds bulk and makes the soup hearty and filling.
Carrot: Adds a sweet flavor and vibrant color.
Celery: Provides a refreshing and crisp texture.
Frozen corn: Adds sweetness and texture.
Green bell pepper: Adds a nice crunch and color.
Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor profile of the soup.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth of flavor.
Bay leaf: Infuses the soup with a distinctive, savory flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, savory kick.
Beef broth: The liquid base of the soup; can be substituted with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
One reader, Duncan Francis says:
This hearty vegetable barley soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the veggies and barley make it so satisfying. It's the perfect meal for a cozy night in. I love how easy it is to make, and it's become a staple in my kitchen. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup
How to chop vegetables: Dice the onion, potato, carrot, celery, and green bell pepper into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly and provide a consistent texture to the soup.
How to cook barley in a slow cooker: When cooking barley in a slow cooker, it's important to ensure there is enough liquid to fully cook the barley. The barley should be tender and fully cooked by the end of the cooking time.
How to season with Worcestershire sauce: Add Worcestershire sauce to the soup to enhance the savory flavors and provide a depth of umami. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as the sauce can be quite potent.
How to adjust seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to bring out the flavors of the vegetables and barley.
How to garnish with Parmesan and parsley: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the soup before serving to add a pop of flavor and a touch of freshness to the dish.
How To Make Vegetable Barley Soup
Barley soup is also known as Krupnik to the Polish which is a thick and creamy soup. For this recipe, we enrich it with a variety of healthy vegetables.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tspolive oil
- 1pconion
- 1cuppearl barley
- 14 ½ozcanned tomatoeswith juice, diced
- 1largepotatoor sweet potato, cubed
- 1pccarrotchopped
- 2stacksribs celerychopped
- 1cupfrozen corndefrosted
- 1pcgreen bell pepperchopped
- 1tspgarlic powder
- 1tspItalian Seasoning
- 1bay leaf
- 1tbspWorcestershire sauce
- 8cupsbeef brothor vegetable broth
Instructions
-
Combine all ingredients in a 6-quart slow cooker except tomatoes.
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Cook on low 7 to 8 hour or on high 3 to 4 hours until barley is tender.
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Add tomatoes with juices 30 minutes before serving.
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Discard bay leaf, season with salt & pepper to taste, garnish with parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 190.01kcal
- Fat: 1.65g
- Saturated Fat: 0.34g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.64g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.47g
- Carbohydrates: 36.34g
- Fiber: 6.88g
- Sugar: 4.72g
- Protein: 9.79g
- Sodium: 549.32mg
- Calcium: 59.50mg
- Potassium: 954.20mg
- Iron: 2.52mg
- Vitamin A: 76.66µg
- Vitamin C: 27.73mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting This Soup Recipe
When preparing your hearty vegetable barley soup, it's important to remember that the texture of the barley is key to the overall satisfaction of the dish. Barley should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooking can result in a mushy texture that isn't as pleasing. Therefore, always keep an eye on your soup during the last hour of cooking, checking the barley for doneness. Additionally, adding the canned tomatoes towards the end of the cooking process helps to maintain their texture and flavor, which can be lost if added too early.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut vegetables: Consider using pre-cut vegetables to save time on chopping and preparation.
Multi-task: While the soup is cooking, use the time to prepare other dishes or complete other tasks in the kitchen.
Invest in a slow cooker: Utilize a slow cooker to allow the soup to cook slowly and evenly without needing constant attention.
Organize your ingredients: Before starting, organize all the ingredients and utensils to streamline the cooking process.
Cook in bulk: Make a large batch of soup and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later on.
One-pot meal: Choose recipes that require minimal pots and pans to reduce cleanup time.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes and save time on improvisation.
Substitute Ingredients For Vegetable Barley Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
pearl barley - Substitute with farro: Farro has a nutty flavor and a similar chewy texture to barley, making it a great alternative for adding heartiness to the soup.
canned tomatoes - Substitute with fresh tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can be used as a substitute for canned tomatoes, providing a vibrant, fresh flavor to the soup.
potato - Substitute with sweet potato: Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and a creamy texture, making them a delicious alternative to regular potatoes in the soup.
carrot - Substitute with parsnip: Parsnips have a similar earthy sweetness to carrots and can be used as a substitute to add depth of flavor to the soup.
ribs celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture, making it a good substitute for celery in the soup.
frozen corn - Substitute with frozen peas: Frozen peas can add a pop of sweetness and vibrant color to the soup, serving as a suitable substitute for corn.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers provide a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color, making them a great substitute for green bell peppers in the soup.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic can be used as a substitute for garlic powder, providing a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor to the soup.
Italian seasoning - Substitute with herbs de Provence: Herbs de Provence blend offers a similar herbaceous flavor profile, with a mix of aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and savory.
bay leaf - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can add a subtle earthy flavor and aroma, serving as a suitable substitute for bay leaf in the soup.
Worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a savory, umami flavor similar to Worcestershire sauce, adding depth to the soup's flavor profile.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth, providing a rich and flavorful base for the hearty vegetable barley soup.
Best Way to Present Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the hearty vegetable barley soup, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Consider using a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the soup.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few delicate chive strands. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a pop of fresh flavor.
Incorporate artisanal bread: Pair the soup with a side of warm, crusty artisan bread or a baguette to elevate the dining experience. Consider serving the bread in a rustic basket for an added touch of elegance.
Opt for elegant tableware: Choose porcelain bowls or earthenware dishes to present the soup. The choice of tableware can significantly enhance the overall presentation and create a luxurious dining atmosphere.
Consider a drizzle of olive oil: Just before serving, delicately drizzle a high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the soup. This not only adds a hint of richness but also creates a visually captivating sheen on the surface.
Add a sprinkle of finishing salt: A light dusting of flaky sea salt just before serving can accentuate the flavors and add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: When arranging the components of the dish, strive for symmetry and balance in the presentation. This attention to detail can elevate the overall aesthetic appeal of the soup.
Use edible flowers as a garnish: For a sophisticated touch, consider adorning the soup with delicate, edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also bring a subtle floral note to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Vegetable Barley Soup
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile and essential kitchen knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Stockpot: A large, deep pot used for making soups, stocks, and stews.
- Wooden spoon: A sturdy spoon made of wood, ideal for stirring and mixing hot dishes.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Vegetable peeler: Used to peel the skin off vegetables and fruits.
- Saucepan: A small, deep cooking pot with a handle, used for heating sauces and liquids.
- Immersion blender: A handheld blender used for blending soups and sauces directly in the pot.
- Soup ladle: A large, deep spoon with a long handle, used for serving soups and stews.
- Tongs: Used for flipping, turning, and serving various foods while cooking.
- Can opener: Essential for opening canned ingredients such as tomatoes and broth.
- Measuring scale: Used for precise measurement of ingredients by weight.
- Grater: Used for grating vegetables, cheese, and other ingredients.
- Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering foods at low temperatures over an extended period.
- Garlic press: Used for crushing garlic cloves to extract their flavors.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations for draining liquids from food.
- Dutch oven: A heavy-duty, thick-walled pot with a tight-fitting lid, suitable for braising, stewing, and roasting.
- Pepper mill: Used for grinding peppercorns to add freshly ground pepper to dishes.
- Soup bowls: Deep, wide bowls used for serving soup.
Storing and Freezing Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup
Let the hearty vegetable barley soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents the formation of condensation, which can lead to spoilage.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. The barley will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add more broth or water when reheating.
To freeze the soup, follow these steps:
- Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, ensuring they lie flat for even freezing and efficient storage.
- Frozen vegetable barley soup can be stored for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Reheat the thawed soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. Add more broth or water if needed to achieve your preferred consistency.
Taste the reheated soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary, as freezing can sometimes alter the flavors slightly.
How To Reheat Leftover Soup
Stovetop method: Transfer the leftover hearty vegetable barley soup to a pot 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 evenly reheated without overcooking the vegetables or barley.
Microwave method: Pour the desired amount of leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, then stir the soup. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through.
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 and set it on low heat. Cover and let the soup reheat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal for keeping the soup warm for an extended period, making it perfect for serving at gatherings or potlucks.
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with a lid or aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to reheat the soup until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of broth or water and stirring until you reach the desired consistency.
Interesting Fact About Vegetable Barley Soup
Barley soup is a great source of fiber, which can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight.
Is Making Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup Cost-Effective?
This hearty vegetable barley soup recipe is highly cost-effective for households. With affordable and readily available ingredients such as onion, carrots, and potatoes, it offers a budget-friendly option for families. The use of pearl barley provides a filling and nutritious base, making it a great value for money. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is This Soup Recipe Healthy?
This hearty vegetable barley soup recipe is a nutritious and wholesome choice, packed with a variety of vegetables and whole grains. The inclusion of pearl barley provides a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. The vegetables, such as onion, potato, carrot, celery, corn, and bell pepper, offer a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The use of olive oil, a healthy fat, is a positive addition to the recipe.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to enhance its nutritional value:
- Opt for low-sodium or reduced-sodium beef broth to decrease the overall sodium content of the soup, as excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other health concerns.
- Consider using a mix of different colored vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, squash, or leafy greens, to increase the variety of nutrients and antioxidants in the soup.
- Replace the Worcestershire sauce, which can be high in sodium and contains anchovies (making it non-vegetarian), with a vegetarian alternative or a combination of soy sauce and apple cider vinegar for a similar umami flavor.
- Experiment with adding more herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika, to enhance the flavor profile without relying on salt.
Editor's Opinion on This Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup Recipe
This hearty vegetable barley soup recipe is a wholesome and satisfying dish. The combination of barley, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings creates a comforting and nutritious meal. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and hearty soup. The addition of tomatoes adds a delightful tanginess, while the Worcestershire sauce brings depth of flavor. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd. It's a versatile and delicious option for anyone looking for a nourishing and flavorful meal.
Enhance Your Vegetable Barley Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Serve with This Soup
Why trust this Vegetable Barley Soup Recipe:
This hearty vegetable barley soup recipe is a wholesome and nutritious choice for a comforting meal. The combination of pearl barley, tomatoes, and beef broth creates a rich and flavorful base, while the addition of potato, carrot, and celery provides a hearty and satisfying texture. The use of Italian seasoning and garlic powder infuses the soup with aromatic flavors, and the slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully. With the addition of Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor, this recipe promises a delicious and wholesome dining experience.
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