Hearty Mushroom and Barley Soup
This Hearty Mushroom and Barley Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for any season. Utilizing the rich flavors of both dried and fresh mushrooms, this recipe enhances the umami profile while the pearl barley offers a delightful chewiness. The soup simmers in a crock pot, allowing all ingredients to meld together for a deep, satisfying flavor that's sure to warm you up. Ideal for meal prep, this soup not only serves as a hearty main but also as a side dish to complement your favorite meals. Enjoy a bowlful of goodness with family and friends, and don’t forget to garnish with chives for that extra touch of flavor!
6
Servings
63
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried mushrooms
1 ounce (Soaked and sliced)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Onion
1 (Chopped)
Carrot
1 (Chopped)
Celery rib
1 (Chopped)
Pearl barley
1 cup (Rinsed)
Fresh mushrooms
8 ounces (Sliced)
Vegetable broth
6 cups (N/A)
Dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons (N/A)
Salt
To taste (N/A)
Pepper
To taste (N/A)
Chives
2 tablespoons (Minced)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the dried mushrooms in a heatproof measuring cup; cover them with hot water and allow them to sit for approximately 15-20 minutes or until they are softened. Once softened, drain the mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid. Slice the mushrooms and set them aside.
2
In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes or until they become tender and fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
3
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your crock pot. Add in the pearl barley, sliced fresh mushrooms, the soaked and sliced dried mushrooms, vegetable broth, the reserved mushroom soaking liquid, dried thyme, along with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
Once cooking is complete, ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with fresh minced chives for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
1.5g
Fat
12g
Carbs
2g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Mushroom and Barley Soup?
It is a comforting and nutritious dish made with dried and fresh mushrooms, pearl barley, and vegetables, slowly simmered in a crock pot.
What are the main ingredients for this soup?
The main ingredients include dried mushrooms, olive oil, onion, carrot, celery, pearl barley, fresh mushrooms, vegetable broth, and dried thyme.
How long does it take to cook in a crock pot?
The soup should be cooked on low heat for 6 hours to allow the flavors to meld properly.
How do I prepare the dried mushrooms?
Soak them in hot water for 15-20 minutes until softened, then drain (reserving the liquid) and slice them.
What type of barley should I use?
This recipe calls for pearl barley, which provides a delightful chewy texture.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 63 calories.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Is Hearty Mushroom and Barley Soup vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients, making it vegetarian.
Is this soup vegan?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are vegan-friendly.
Can I make this soup on a stovetop?
Yes, you can simmer it on the stove over low heat for about 45-60 minutes until the barley is tender.
Do I need to soak the pearl barley before cooking?
No, you only need to rinse the pearl barley before adding it to the crock pot.
What is the purpose of using both dried and fresh mushrooms?
Dried mushrooms provide a deep umami flavor profile, while fresh mushrooms add bulk and texture.
Can I use beef broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, beef broth can be used if you do not require the soup to be vegetarian.
What should I do with the mushroom soaking liquid?
You should reserve the liquid and add it to the crock pot as it contains a lot of concentrated mushroom flavor.
How do I garnish this soup?
The soup is traditionally garnished with fresh minced chives for extra flavor and color.
Can I freeze mushroom and barley soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well, though the barley may continue to absorb liquid when thawed and reheated.
How long can I store this soup in the refrigerator?
It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as the flavors develop further over time.
Is this soup gluten-free?
No, barley contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you would need to substitute barley with a gluten-free grain like rice.
How much fiber is in one serving?
There are 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
Can I use quick-cooking barley instead?
You can, but you will need to reduce the cooking time significantly to prevent the barley from becoming too mushy.
What kind of fresh mushrooms work best?
Button mushrooms, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms are all excellent choices for this recipe.
Why do I need to sauté the vegetables first?
Sautéing the onion, carrot, and celery first helps release their aromas and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or kale would be great additions.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The soup is very low in fat, with only 1.5 grams per serving.
What can I use as a substitute for chives?
Green onions or fresh parsley make good substitutes for chives.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you could add cooked chicken or beef if you prefer a meat-based version.
Can I cook this on high heat in the crock pot?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 3 to 4 hours if you are short on time.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, use about 1.5 tablespoons of fresh thyme to replace the 1.5 teaspoons of dried thyme.
What should I serve with this soup?
It pairs perfectly with crusty bread, a light side salad, or a sandwich.