Vegetables and barley soup
- Preparation 40 min
- Cooking 45 min
- Servings 15 cups
- Freezing Absolutely
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🥣 Mom’s Vegetable & Barley Soup – The Ultimate Comfort Classic!
Some recipes taste like childhood, like a warm hug in a bowl. This vegetable and barley soup is exactly that! A simple, nourishing, and flavorful dish passed down from my mom, one that has always been a family favorite. It simmers slowly on the stove, filling the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, making it impossible not to sneak a spoonful straight from the pot.
No fancy tricks here! Just good old-fashioned chicken broth, fresh veggies, and a generous scoop of pearl barley that gives every bite that rich, velvety texture. Add a boost of herbs and spiced diced tomatoes, and BOOM—you’ve got a soup that slaps!
💥 Simple, quick, and oh-so-satisfying!
🔥 Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in a good splash of olive oil to unlock their flavors.
🍅 Toss in canned tomatoes, spices, and broth to create a deeply flavorful base.
🥣 Stir in the barley and let it simmer until it turns creamy and absolutely perfect.
The result? A thick, hearty, flavor-packed soup so comforting, you’ll be refilling your bowl without hesitation!
🚀 Perfect for Meal Prep & Quick Lunches!
✅ Keeps for 3–4 days in the fridge and reheats like a dream.
✅ Freezes well (but the barley will soak up some liquid, so add a bit of extra broth when reheating).
✅ Best enjoyed with a thick slice of buttered toast for maximum satisfaction!
Looking for THE perfect soup to fight off the cold, warm your soul, or just treat yourself? You’ve found it! 🔥🥣
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🔥 Tips & Tricks for an Even More Decadent Vegetable & Barley Soup!
🔥 Pro Tips
✅ Ultra-creamy texture! Let the soup simmer a little longer, and add extra barley if you want it even thicker.
✅ Want a clearer broth? Cook the barley separately! This prevents it from releasing too much starch into the soup, keeping the broth light and clear.
✅ Perfectly cooked barley! Since barley continues to soak up liquid after cooking, add extra broth when reheating to maintain the ideal consistency.
✅ Boost the veggie flavors! Sauté the vegetables a little longer to let them caramelize and enhance their natural sweetness.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
✅ Keeps for 3 to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of broth for the best texture.
✅ Freezer-friendly! 🧊 The soup thickens after freezing, so add extra broth or water when reheating to bring it back to the right consistency.
✅ Best reheating method? Warm over low heat, stirring well, and add a little broth to keep it smooth and soupy.
🧀 Customizations & Variations
✅ Want a deeper flavor? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick.
✅ Vegetarian version? Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and it’s just as delicious!
✅ Need extra protein? Add shredded chicken, ground beef, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
🍽️ Perfect Pairings
🥖 A thick slice of buttered toast – because dipping bread into homemade soup is pure bliss.
🧀 A sprinkle of grated Parmesan – for an umami boost that takes it to the next level.
🌿 A drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs – because a little extra freshness never hurts!
With these tips, your vegetable & barley soup will be even more flavorful, comforting, and satisfying! 🔥🥣
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Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- Olive oil
- 3 celeri sticks with leaves, sliced
- 2 big carrots, sliced
- 2 small turnips, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1x796ml can diced tomatoes with italian spices
- 8 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup pearl barley
- Salt and ground pepper
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Preparation
- Presoak the barley in water for 30 minutes. Drain, rince and set aside.
- In a big sauce pan at medium temp, heat a good drizzle of olive oil and add the onion. Cook while stirring ofter, about 5 minutes.
- Add the rest of the vegetables along with the spices and stir well. Season with salt and pepper. Cook while stirring from times to times, about 10 minutes. Add olive oil if necessary.
- Add the chicken broth and the diced tomatos and stir well. Bring to a boil and lower heat to medium. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the barley and cook for another 30 minutes or until vegetables are fork tender!
*Trick: Cooking the barley directly in the soup makes it thicker because of the starch. You can adjust the consistency by adding some chicken broth, if necessary! For a clearer soup, cook the barley separately and add it towards the end!*
Yes! 💡 Cooking barley separately makes for a clearer, thinner soup, as the barley releases its starch into the broth by cooking directly in it. Then simply add the cooked barley just before serving for a lighter texture.
Absolutely! 💪 Add shredded chicken, ground beef or chickpeas for an even more complete and satiating soup.
Of course you can! 👌 Chicken broth brings a rich, classic flavor, but you can replace it with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or beef broth for a more robust taste.
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