Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Nourishment

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As the seasons change and cooler weather sets in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of homemade soup. This Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup is a perfect example of a nourishing, soul-warming dish that combines wholesome ingredients into a satisfying meal. Packed with nutritious vegetables, tender barley, and aromatic herbs, this soup is not only filling but also easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner option or a healthy lunch, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (130 grams) pearl barley, thoroughly washed and drained
  • 1 cup (130 grams) frozen peas (or substitute with beans of your choice)
  • 4 ½ cups water or vegetable broth (add more if needed)
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste, or 1 diced tomato
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, with extra for drizzling on top
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 large celery rib, sliced
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 1 medium potato, cut into cubes
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 thyme sprigs (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by prepping your vegetables. Dice the onion, carrots, and potato into bite-sized pieces. Slice the celery rib and mince the garlic. Set all the vegetables aside as you heat up the cooking pot.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion turns clear and releases its aroma, roughly 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.
  3. Add the Vegetables and Herbs: Next, add the diced carrots, celery, and potato to the pot. Stir in the oregano, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs (if using). Sauté the mixture for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin softening and the herbs to release their flavors.
  4. Incorporate the Barley and Liquid: Pour in the rinsed barley, stirring to combine it with the vegetables and herbs. Add the tomato paste or diced tomato, then pour in the water or vegetable broth. Stir the mixture well to ensure the tomato paste is fully dissolved. Bring the soup to a boil.
  5. Simmer the Soup: Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add more water or broth if needed to maintain your desired consistency. The barley should be tender, and the vegetables fully cooked.
  6. Add the Peas and Season: About 10 minutes before the soup is done, stir in the frozen peas (or beans of your choice). Allow them to cook through. Sample the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preference. Be sure to take out the bay leaves and thyme stems before you serve it.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete, hearty meal.

Conclusion:

This Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup is a delicious and nourishing dish that brings together the wholesome goodness of barley, a medley of vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a comforting meal, this soup is not only easy to prepare but also adaptable to whatever vegetables you have on hand. Enjoy the rich flavors and health benefits packed into every spoonful, knowing you’re serving a dish that’s as good for the body as it is for the soul.

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