Hearty Italian Lentil & Barley Soup
Warm up with this Hearty Italian Lentil & Barley Soup, a robust and flavorful vegetarian dish that's perfect for any time of year. This nutrient-packed recipe is not only filling but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. Simply load your crock pot with fresh, wholesome ingredients, set it, and go about your day. The medley of tender lentils, chewy barley, and vibrant vegetables are complemented by fragrant herbs, creating a comforting bowl of goodness that pairs perfectly with crusty bread. It's a one-dish meal that's sure to satisfy the whole family while providing a great source of plant-based nutrition.
N/A
Servings
176.5
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
lentils
1 cup (sorted and rinsed)
pearl barley
1/3 cup (uncooked)
carrot
1 cup (chopped)
celery
1 cup (chopped)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon
dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon
bay leaf
1
vegetable broth
3 1/2 cups
water
2 1/2 cups
stewed tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
14 1/4 ounces
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (finely chopped (optional))
cider vinegar
2 tablespoons ((optional))
Instructions
1
Rinse and sort through the lentils to remove any debris or shriveled pieces.
2
In a large crock pot, combine the lentils, pearl barley, chopped carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, thyme, and the bay leaf.
3
Pour in the vegetable broth and water, followed by the stewed or crushed tomatoes. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
4
Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 12 to 14 hours, or on high heat for 5 to 6 hours, until the lentils and barley are tender.
5
Before serving, carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh parsley and cider vinegar for an added flavor boost.
6
Serve hot, ideally with slices of crusty bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
0.33g
Fat
31.7g
Carbs
8.3g
Protein
4.67g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Italian Lentil & Barley Soup?
It is a robust and flavorful vegetarian soup made with lentils, pearl barley, and a variety of vegetables and herbs cooked in a slow cooker.
How long does this soup take to cook on low heat?
When using the low heat setting on your crock pot, the soup should cook for 12 to 14 hours.
How long does this soup take to cook on high heat?
On high heat, the lentils and barley will be tender in approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe that uses vegetable broth and plant-based proteins like lentils.
Is the Hearty Italian Lentil & Barley Soup vegan?
Yes, because it uses vegetable broth and no animal products, it is considered vegan-friendly.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 176.5 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this soup?
Each serving contains about 8.3 grams of protein.
Is this soup high in fat?
No, this is a very low-fat dish with only 0.33 grams of fat per serving.
What type of barley is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of uncooked pearl barley.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No soaking is required; you only need to rinse and sort through them to remove any debris.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The soup includes carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and tomatoes.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
You can use either 14.25 ounces of stewed tomatoes or crushed tomatoes.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a bay leaf.
Is the fresh parsley necessary?
The 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley is optional but recommended for a flavor boost.
Why is cider vinegar added at the end?
The cider vinegar is an optional addition used to provide a bright flavor boost to the finished soup.
Should I leave the bay leaf in when serving?
No, you should carefully remove and discard the bay leaf before serving the soup.
What is the fiber content per serving?
There are 4.67 grams of fiber per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this soup?
There are 31.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for meal prep as it is easy to prepare and yields a filling, nutrient-packed meal.
What should I serve with this soup?
It pairs perfectly with slices of crusty bread for dipping.
How much vegetable broth is needed?
The recipe requires 3 1/2 cups of vegetable broth.
How much water is added to the pot?
You should add 2 1/2 cups of water in addition to the broth.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 15 ingredients listed in the recipe.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a one-dish meal that provides a great source of plant-based nutrition.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The two garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the crock pot.
Is this soup gluten-free?
No, pearl barley contains gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free.
Can I add meat to this soup?
While the recipe is vegetarian, you could add cooked sausage or pancetta if you prefer a meat-based version.
What size should I chop the carrots and celery?
The recipe recommends chopping the 1 cup of carrots and 1 cup of celery.
How much dried thyme is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This soup should be served hot for the best flavor and comfort.