Hearty Barley Mushroom Soup
This creamy and flavorful barley mushroom soup pays homage to a cherished friendship. Inspired by the heartfelt cooking of my second Jewish mother, Eileen, who introduced me to the joys of wholesome meals during my high school years. Each spoonful brings back fond memories of her warmth and generous spirit, reminding us of the nourishing power of good food. Crafted with wholesome pearl barley, tender mushrooms, and aromatic onions, this soup is perfect for a cozy night in or as a comforting dish to share with loved ones. Enjoy the rich umami flavor enhanced by tamari and dry sherry, making it a favorite for both mushroom lovers and those seeking a hearty, plant-based meal.
6
Servings
240
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
pearl barley
1/2 cup (raw)
stock or water
6 1/2 cups (as needed)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
tamari soy sauce
3 tablespoons (as needed)
dry sherry
4 tablespoons (as needed)
butter
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
fresh mushrooms
1 lb (sliced)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a large soup kettle, combine the raw pearl barley with 1 1/2 cups of the stock or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the barley is tender, about 30-35 minutes.
2
Once the barley is cooked, stir in the remaining stock or water, tamari soy sauce, and dry sherry. Mix well.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
4
Add the sliced mushrooms and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the skillet, cooking until the mushrooms are tender and their liquid has reduced, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Transfer the sautéed mixture into the soup kettle with the barley, ensuring to include any liquid released by the mushrooms.
6
Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Allow the soup to simmer gently, covered, on the lowest heat for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired before serving.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
34g
Carbs
6g
Protein
6g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Barley Mushroom Soup?
It is a creamy and flavorful soup made with pearl barley, mushrooms, and aromatic onions, inspired by a traditional Jewish family recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are 240 calories per serving.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include pearl barley, mushrooms, onion, garlic, stock or water, tamari soy sauce, and dry sherry.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian.
How long does it take to cook the barley?
The barley takes approximately 30-35 minutes to simmer until tender.
What type of barley is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of raw pearl barley.
Can I use water instead of stock?
Yes, you can use either stock or water as the liquid base.
What kind of mushrooms are used?
The recipe uses 1 lb of fresh sliced mushrooms.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of butter for sauteing the vegetables.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, by replacing the butter with a plant-based oil or vegan butter substitute.
What is the total amount of liquid required?
A total of 6 1/2 cups of stock or water is used.
How much tamari soy sauce is included?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of tamari soy sauce.
What is the purpose of dry sherry in the soup?
Dry sherry is used to enhance the rich umami flavor of the mushrooms.
How much onion is required?
One cup of chopped onion is used.
Does the recipe include garlic?
Yes, it includes 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What is the fiber content per serving?
Each serving contains 6g of fiber.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 6g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Each serving contains 34g of carbohydrates.
What is the fat content?
The soup contains 7g of fat per serving.
Who inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by Eileen, the creator's second Jewish mother.
Is this a Moosewood style recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a Moosewood recipe.
How are the mushrooms prepared?
The mushrooms are sliced and sauteed in butter with garlic and onions until tender.
When do I add the black pepper?
Freshly ground black pepper is added after combining the sauteed mixture with the barley and stock.
Can I use regular soy sauce?
Yes, though tamari is specified, regular soy sauce can be used as a substitute.
How long is the final simmer?
The soup should simmer gently for an additional 20 minutes once all ingredients are combined.
How much dry sherry is used?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of dry sherry.
Is the barley cooked separately?
The barley starts cooking in a portion of the stock before the rest of the ingredients are added.
What is the overall flavor profile?
It has a rich, earthy umami flavor from the combination of mushrooms, tamari, and sherry.
Is this soup good for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a warming, hearty meal perfect for a cozy night in.