Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Barley and Cabbage Soup?
It is a warm and comforting slow cooker dish made with pearl barley, tender cabbage, and rich beef broth.
What are the primary ingredients in this soup?
The ingredients include dry pearl barley, beef broth, onion, green cabbage, fresh parsley, celery salt, salt, black pepper, and minute tapioca.
How do I prepare the pearl barley?
You should start by rinsing the dry pearl barley under cool water to remove any dust or debris before adding it to the slow cooker.
How long does this soup take to cook?
The soup should be cooked on low heat in a slow cooker for 8 to 10 hours.
What is the purpose of minute tapioca in the recipe?
Minute tapioca acts as a thickening agent to help achieve a heartier consistency for the broth.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious option with 181 calories per serving and includes high-fiber cabbage and barley.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 181 calories in a serving of this soup.
Is this soup high in protein?
Each serving provides about 10 grams of protein.
How much fiber is in the Hearty Barley and Cabbage Soup?
This soup contains 4 grams of fiber per serving.
What type of cabbage should I use?
The recipe calls for 3-4 cups of chopped green cabbage.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting the beef broth with vegetable broth.
Is this soup vegan?
If you substitute the beef broth with a vegetable-based broth, the recipe becomes vegan-friendly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, pearl barley contains gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley is recommended for flavor, you can substitute with about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley if needed.
Can I add meat to this cabbage soup?
Yes, you can add browned ground beef, stew meat, or sliced sausage to make it even more filling.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this barley soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Do I need to sauté the onions before adding them?
No, you can add the chopped onions directly into the slow cooker without pre-cooking them.
Can I cook this soup on high heat?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 4 to 5 hours, though cooking on low for longer allows the flavors to meld better.
What if I do not have celery salt?
You can use a mix of regular salt and a pinch of ground celery seeds as a substitute.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely, this soup is an ideal choice for meal prep as it makes several servings and the flavors often improve the next day.
How much barley is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of dry pearl barley.
How much broth is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of beef broth.
What seasonings are used in the soup?
The soup is seasoned with celery salt, salt, and black pepper.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is a simple 'set it and forget it' slow cooker recipe with basic preparation steps.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients as long as your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the volume.
What can I serve with this soup?
It pairs very well with crusty bread, a side salad, or whole-grain crackers.
Do I need to stir the soup while it cooks?
No, you only need to stir it once at the beginning and once after the 8 to 10 hours of cooking is complete.
How much fat is in this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 3 grams of fat.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to rinse the dry pearl barley under cool water to ensure it is clean.