Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup Delight
This Rich and Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup is the perfect dish for chilly days or cozy evenings at home. Made in a 7-quart slow cooker, this vegetarian-friendly soup lets you enjoy the deep, savoring flavors of fresh white button mushrooms and the nuttiness of pearl barley. Dried herbs from your own garden add a touch of freshness, crafting a warm, inviting bowl that nourishes both body and soul. With a smooth and creamy texture, it's ideal for a family meal or meal prep, and while it tastes wonderful as-is, feel free to season with salt to your liking. Top with a sprinkle of Romano cheese for an extra layer of flavor, or omit for a truly vegan experience. This recipe doubles easily, making it perfect for gatherings or simple weeknight dinners. Your taste buds will thank you!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable stock
4 cups (unprepared)
sliced mushrooms (fresh)
4 cups (cleaned and sliced)
pearl barley
1/2 cup (unprepared)
dairy-free margarine
3 tablespoons (unprepared)
fresh dill
1 tablespoon (chopped)
dried basil
2 teaspoons (unprepared)
dried thyme
2 teaspoons (unprepared)
dried tarragon
1 teaspoon (unprepared)
Instructions
1
Begin by pouring 4 cups of vegetable stock into your slow cooker and turning it on to low. Allow it to heat while you prepare the other ingredients.
2
Clean and slice the fresh white button mushrooms, then measure out 4 cups.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced mushrooms, 1/2 cup of pearl barley, 3 tablespoons of dairy-free margarine, 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, 2 teaspoons of dried basil, 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon.
4
Carefully transfer the mushroom and herb mixture into the slow cooker with the hot vegetable stock.
5
Cover the slow cooker and let the soup cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Be sure to check on the soup about halfway through cooking to see if adjustments are needed.
6
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning, keeping in mind that individual preference for saltiness may vary. If desired, serve with a sprinkle of Romano cheese on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is titled Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup Delight.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, as written with dairy-free margarine and optional Romano cheese, it is vegan-friendly.
What type of mushrooms are recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh white button mushrooms.
How many cups of mushrooms are needed?
You will need 4 cups of cleaned and sliced mushrooms.
What kind of barley should be used?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of pearl barley.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is designed for a 7-quart slow cooker.
How long should the soup cook on low?
The soup should cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours.
What size slow cooker is ideal?
A 7-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes, it is a vegetarian-friendly soup using vegetable stock and plant-based ingredients.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the description mentions that this recipe doubles easily for gatherings.
What is the texture of the Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup Delight?
The soup has a smooth and creamy texture.
Should I add salt to the soup?
Salt is not listed in the ingredients, but the instructions suggest seasoning to your liking after cooking.
What topping can I add for extra flavor?
You can add a sprinkle of Romano cheese on top if you are not following a vegan diet.
How much vegetable stock is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of vegetable stock.
What dried herbs are included in this recipe?
The soup includes dried basil, dried thyme, and dried tarragon.
Is fresh dill used in this soup?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh dill.
How much dairy-free margarine is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of dairy-free margarine.
When should I check on the soup?
You should check on the soup about halfway through the cooking process to see if adjustments are needed.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, the description states it is ideal for meal prep or a family meal.
How do I prepare the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be cleaned and sliced before being added to the mixing bowl.
What type of stock is used?
The recipe uses vegetable stock as the primary liquid base.
How much dried basil is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of dried basil.
How much dried thyme is included?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of dried thyme.
How much dried tarragon is required?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe involving simple slow cooker preparation.
Can I omit the Romano cheese?
Yes, you can omit it for a truly vegan experience.
Is barley gluten-free?
No, pearl barley contains gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free.
How should I start the cooking process?
Begin by pouring the vegetable stock into the slow cooker and heating it on the low setting.
Where do the dried herbs come from in the description?
The description suggests using dried herbs from your own garden for a touch of freshness.
What setting should the slow cooker be on?
The slow cooker should be set to low for the entire cooking duration.