Description
Barley soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. This hearty dish combines tender pearl barley with vibrant vegetables, creating a warm bowl that not only nourishes but also evokes fond memories of family gatherings. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop onions, carrots, and celery; mince garlic.
- Rinse pearl barley under cold water until clear.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic, thyme, and bay leaves; sauté for another minute.
- Stir in rinsed barley and pour in broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Partially cover the pot and simmer for 30-40 minutes until barley is tender. Stir occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg