Description
A warm and nourishing soup filled with hearty vegetables, chewy pearl barley, and aromatic herbs. This comforting, wholesome dish is perfect for chilly days, offering a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s both hearty and delicious.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 large potato, peeled and diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed
8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian option)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
1 cup chopped kale or spinach
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili flakes
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Add carrots, celery, and potatoes. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, then add mushrooms and zucchini. Cook another 3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Tomato Base
Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with juice), thyme, basil, oregano, and bay leaf. Mix to coat the vegetables evenly.
Step 4: Add Broth and Barley
Pour in broth and add rinsed barley. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 45–50 minutes. Stir occasionally until barley is tender and the soup thickens slightly.
Step 6: Add Greens and Final Touches
Add kale or spinach (if using) during the last 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Optionally drizzle olive oil or sprinkle Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Barley absorbs broth as it sits — add extra broth or water when reheating.
For a creamier texture, stir in coconut milk or cream near the end of cooking.
This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: hearty vegetable barley soup, vegetable soup with barley, healthy barley soup, homemade vegetable soup, barley stew