Comforting Barley & Root Vegetable Soup
Savor the warmth of this hearty barley soup, perfect for chilly evenings. The nutty flavor of pearl barley melds beautifully with the rich sweetness of carrots and celery root, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace. Fresh dill adds a pop of flavor while a splash of lemon juice brightens the entire bowl. This soup is not only nourishing but also customizable; feel free to incorporate any root vegetables you have on hand. Whip it up quickly with quick-cooking barley or stick to the traditional pearl barley for deeper flavor. Ideal for meal prep, leftovers taste even better the next day, making this dish a staple in your cozy kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
leeks
3 medium (white and pale green parts only, sliced (about 2 cups))
garlic cloves
3 (minced (about 1 tablespoon))
pearl barley
1/3 cup (none)
vegetable bouillon cubes
2 (none)
carrots
3 medium (diced (about 1 1/2 cups))
celery root
1 small (peeled and diced (about 1 1/2 cups))
fresh dill
1/3 cup (chopped)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced leeks and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they become tender.
2
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3
Incorporate the pearl barley into the mixture, stirring to combine. Add 7 cups of water along with the vegetable bouillon cubes.
4
Bring the soup to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, skim off any foam that forms on the surface, cover, and simmer for approximately 20 minutes.
5
After 20 minutes, add in the diced carrots and celery root. Cover the pot again and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the barley and vegetables are tender.
6
Just before serving, stir in the fresh dill and lemon juice. Season with black pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting bowl of soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Comforting Barley & Root Vegetable Soup.
Is this barley soup recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses olive oil, vegetable bouillon, and plant-based ingredients.
What type of barley should I use?
The recipe calls for pearl barley, but you can use quick-cooking barley for a faster preparation.
How much water is required for the soup?
You will need 7 cups of water.
What root vegetables are included in this soup?
The soup includes carrots and celery root.
How do I prepare the leeks for this recipe?
Use 3 medium leeks, white and pale green parts only, and slice them to get about 2 cups.
What is the first step in cooking the soup?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the sliced leeks for about 5 minutes.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves, minced.
When do I add the garlic to the pot?
Add the minced garlic after the leeks have become tender and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
What provides the savory base for the broth?
Two vegetable bouillon cubes added to the water provide the savory base.
How long does the barley simmer before adding vegetables?
The barley should simmer for approximately 20 minutes after reaching a boil.
What should I do if foam forms on the surface of the soup?
You should skim off any foam that forms on the surface once the soup begins to boil.
When are the carrots and celery root added?
They are added after the barley has simmered for the initial 20 minutes.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
The vegetables and barley should simmer together for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until tender.
What fresh herb is used to flavor the soup?
Fresh chopped dill is used, adding a pop of flavor.
Why is lemon juice added at the end?
A tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is added to brighten the entire bowl.
Can I customize the vegetables in this soup?
Yes, you can incorporate any root vegetables you have on hand.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as leftovers often taste even better the next day.
How much pearl barley is used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of pearl barley.
How much olive oil is needed?
You need 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
What is the preparation for the celery root?
The celery root should be peeled and diced into about 1 1/2 cups.
What should I use to season the soup?
Season the soup with black pepper to taste just before serving.
What is the texture and flavor of pearl barley in this dish?
Pearl barley provides a nutty flavor and a hearty texture to the soup.
How much fresh dill is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of chopped fresh dill.
How much carrot is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 medium carrots, diced to about 1 1/2 cups.
What heat setting should be used for simmering?
Once the soup has boiled, reduce the heat to low for simmering.
Is the celery root prepared with the skin on?
No, the celery root should be peeled before dicing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients listed.
What should the final consistency of the vegetables be?
The vegetables and barley should be simmered until they are tender.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting, hearty soup perfect for chilly evenings.