Autumn Harvest Barley-Lentil Delight
Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with this hearty Barley-Lentil Soup, inspired by the recent Canadian Living article celebrating grain-rich recipes. This wholesome soup is a blend of protein-packed lentils and nutritious barley, simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs to create a comforting meal that's perfect for chilly autumn evenings. Each bowl is topped with a creamy dollop of yogurt and fresh parsley, adding a delightful finish. Ideal for warming the soul, this soup brings together the goodness of grains and the richness of seasonal vegetables, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or a nourishing weeknight dinner.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
onion
1 (coarsely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
carrot
1 large (chopped)
celery
1 stalk (chopped)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
vegetable stock
4 cups (none)
water
2 cups (none)
brown lentils or green lentils
1 cup (none)
barley
1/4 cup (none)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
nonfat plain yogurt or low-fat plain yogurt
1/4 cup (optional, for serving)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (minced, optional for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan or soup pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2
Add the coarsely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3
Stir in the chopped carrot, celery, dried thyme, dried marjoram, and pepper. Continue to sauté for an additional 4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
4
Pour in the vegetable stock and water, then add the brown or green lentils along with the barley. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 40 minutes, or until both the barley and lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.
6
Before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley to brighten the flavors.
7
Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally top each serving with a dollop of yogurt. Finish with a sprinkle of finely minced parsley for an added touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autumn Harvest Barley-Lentil Delight?
It is a hearty, grain-rich soup featuring lentils, barley, and aromatic vegetables, inspired by fall flavors and Canadian grain recipes.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include brown or green lentils, barley, vegetable stock, onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
How long does it take to cook the lentils and barley?
After bringing the soup to a boil, it should simmer for approximately 40 minutes until both the barley and lentils are tender.
Can I use green lentils instead of brown lentils?
Yes, the recipe allows for either brown or green lentils to be used.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe uses vegetable stock and plant-based grains, making it completely vegetarian.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, it is vegan if you omit the optional yogurt topping or use a plant-based yogurt alternative.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with dried thyme, dried marjoram, and fresh parsley.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be coarsely chopped before being sautéed.
Is barley gluten-free?
No, barley contains gluten, so this recipe is not suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.
What is the purpose of adding yogurt at the end?
A dollop of yogurt adds a creamy finish and a delightful tangy contrast to the earthy flavors of the soup.
How much vegetable stock is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of vegetable stock.
Can I add more water if the soup is too thick?
Yes, the recipe already includes 2 cups of water, but you can add more if you prefer a thinner consistency.
What is the first step in making this soup?
The first step is to heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan or soup pot over medium heat.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
They should be sautéed for about 3-5 minutes until the onions become translucent.
When should I add the carrots and celery?
Add them after the onions and garlic are translucent, along with the dried herbs, and sauté for another 4 minutes.
Is this soup high in protein?
Yes, lentils and barley are both good sources of plant-based protein.
How should I finish the soup before serving?
Stir in chopped fresh parsley just before serving to brighten the flavors.
What can I use as a garnish?
You can garnish the soup with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of finely minced fresh parsley.
Can I use dried marjoram substitutes?
If you don't have marjoram, dried oregano is a suitable substitute, though it has a slightly stronger flavor.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy-to-make, one-pot meal.
Can I store leftovers of this soup?
Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator and the flavors often deepen the next day.
Is this soup considered 'comfort food'?
Yes, its hearty texture and warm seasonal spices make it a classic comfort food.
What is the texture of the soup?
The soup is thick and chunky due to the fiber-rich grains and legumes.
Do I need to soak the lentils or barley first?
No, the 40-minute simmering time is sufficient to cook them without prior soaking.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, but you should use roughly three times the amount of fresh thyme compared to dried.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A large saucepan or a heavy-bottomed soup pot is ideal.
Is this a good recipe for autumn?
Yes, it is specifically designed with autumn harvest ingredients and flavors in mind.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use red lentils?
Red lentils cook much faster and tend to break down into a puree, so brown or green lentils are preferred for texture.