Creamy Mushroom and Barley Delight Soup
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of this delightful mushroom and barley soup, inspired by the cherished recipes of my Uncle Bill. Each spoonful is a comforting embrace of fresh sliced mushrooms, tender barley, and vibrant vegetables, all simmered together to perfection. This culinary masterpiece is not only packed with hearty ingredients but also bursts with flavor, making it an ideal choice for cozy evenings or serving family and friends. Enjoy the magical blend of earthy mushrooms and creamy richness that will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite, making it easy to go back for second and third servings!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh sliced mushrooms
3 cups (sliced)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
butter or margarine
1/3 cup (melted)
flour
1/3 cup (all-purpose)
chicken stock
3 cups (low-sodium preferred)
milk
2 cups (including 1/2 cup evaporated milk)
quick-cooking barley
1/2 cup (uncooked)
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (to taste)
dry parsley flakes
1 teaspoon (dried)
pepper
1 dash (freshly ground preferred)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat.
2
Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the mushrooms have released their moisture.
3
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to create a roux. Continue cooking until the flour develops a light golden color.
4
Slowly pour in the chicken stock while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
5
Gradually add the milk, including the evaporated milk, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken.
6
Add the quick-cooking barley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, dry parsley, and a dash of pepper. Mix well to combine.
7
Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil, stirring frequently.
8
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the barley is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
9
Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed before serving. Enjoy your warm and creamy soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official name of this soup recipe?
The recipe is for Creamy Mushroom and Barley Delight Soup.
Who is the inspiration behind this mushroom soup recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the cherished recipes of Uncle Bill.
How many cups of mushrooms are required?
You will need 3 cups of fresh sliced mushrooms.
What vegetables are sautéed with the mushrooms?
Chopped onion and green bell pepper are sautéed along with the mushrooms.
How much onion is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
How much green bell pepper should be prepared?
You should prepare 1/2 cup of chopped green bell pepper.
What type of fat is used to sauté the vegetables?
Use 1/3 cup of butter or margarine, melted over medium heat.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the sautéed vegetables?
Flour is added to create a roux, which acts as the thickening agent for the soup.
How long should the flour cook when making the roux?
The flour should be stirred constantly for 2-3 minutes until it develops a light golden color.
What kind of stock is recommended for this soup?
The recipe recommends using 3 cups of chicken stock, with a preference for low-sodium.
How much milk does the recipe require in total?
A total of 2 cups of milk is required for the soup.
Does the recipe use a specific type of milk for extra creaminess?
Yes, the 2 cups of milk should include 1/2 cup of evaporated milk to enhance the creamy richness.
What type of barley is needed for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of uncooked quick-cooking barley.
Is the barley cooked before adding it to the soup?
No, the 1/2 cup of quick-cooking barley is added uncooked to the thickened liquid.
What special sauce is used to season the soup?
One teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce is added to the mixture for depth of flavor.
How much salt is suggested for seasoning?
The recipe suggests 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, or you can adjust to your personal taste.
What type of parsley is used in the ingredients?
One teaspoon of dry parsley flakes is used in the recipe.
How much pepper is added to the soup?
One dash of pepper is added, with freshly ground pepper being the preferred choice.
How long do you sauté the mushrooms, onion, and pepper?
Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened.
How do you prevent lumps when adding the chicken stock?
Pour the chicken stock in slowly while whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
When do you add the seasonings and barley?
Add the barley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, parsley, and pepper once the milk mixture begins to thicken.
Do you need to boil the soup?
Yes, increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil, stirring frequently, before lowering the heat to simmer.
How long should the soup simmer?
Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes.
Should the pot be covered during the simmering process?
Yes, the instructions state to cover the pot while the soup simmers for 10-12 minutes.
How do you know when the barley is finished cooking?
The barley is done when it has become tender to the bite.
How many total ingredients are listed for this soup?
There are 12 distinct ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a family recipe that is ideal for serving both family and friends.
What is the overall flavor profile of the soup?
The soup offers a magical blend of earthy mushrooms and rich, comforting creaminess.
Can I substitute the butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine.
What should you do before serving the soup?
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed to ensure the best flavor before serving.