Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup with Collard Greens
Warm up with this comforting Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup, a delightful blend of earthy mushrooms, wholesome pearl barley, and nutrient-packed collard greens. This recipe originated as a response to a winter craving for mushroom soup but quickly evolved into a nourishing meal that combines rich flavors and healthy ingredients. Not only is it perfect for cold days, but it's also versatile enough to accommodate assorted greens or grains depending on what's available. Enhance the flavor profile with spicier greens like mustard or turnip tops for a zesty twist. Enjoy a bowl of this hearty soup for a complete meal that brings together the goodness of whole grains and greens!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon
mushrooms, sliced
16 ounces
onion, sliced
1
carrot, chopped
1/2
celery rib, chopped
1
garlic cloves, minced
2
bay leaf
1
oregano
1 teaspoon
rosemary
1/4 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
pearl barley, rinsed
1 cup
vegetable broth
1 1/2 quarts
collard greens
10 ounces (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the sliced mushrooms, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, bay leaf, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 15 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the mushrooms have released their moisture.
3
Stir in the rinsed pearl barley, ensuring it is well combined with the vegetables.
4
Pour in the vegetable broth, then increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover partially, and cook for about 40 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
6
Add the chopped collard greens to the pot, stirring well to combine. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the greens to wilt and soften.
7
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup with Collard Greens?
It is a comforting and nourishing soup made with mushrooms, pearl barley, and nutrient-packed collard greens, perfect for cold days.
Is this mushroom barley soup vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients like mushrooms and greens.
What type of barley is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of rinsed pearl barley.
Can I substitute the collard greens with other vegetables?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and allows for assorted greens like mustard greens or turnip tops for a spicier flavor profile.
How long does it take to sauté the vegetables?
The mushrooms, onion, carrot, celery, and garlic should be sautéed for about 15 minutes until softened.
How much vegetable broth is required?
You will need 1 1/2 quarts of vegetable broth for this soup.
When do I add the collard greens to the soup?
Add the chopped collard greens after the barley has simmered for 40 minutes and is tender.
How long should the greens cook in the soup?
The collard greens should simmer for an additional 10 minutes until they wilt and soften.
What herbs are used to season this soup?
The soup is seasoned with bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of rosemary.
Should I remove the bay leaf before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to remove the bay leaf before serving the soup.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in this recipe, including spices and oil.
What amount of mushrooms is needed?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of sliced mushrooms.
Do I need to rinse the barley?
Yes, the instructions specify using pearl barley that has been rinsed.
What is the primary fat used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the initial vegetables.
Can I use mustard greens instead of collard greens?
Yes, using mustard greens is suggested as a zesty alternative to collard greens.
How long is the total simmering time for the barley?
The barley simmers for approximately 40 minutes on its own, plus another 10 minutes after adding the greens.
Is this soup considered a complete meal?
Yes, it is described as a complete meal that brings together whole grains and nutrient-dense greens.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
What are the salt and pepper measurements?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I use different grains besides barley?
Yes, the recipe description mentions it is versatile enough to accommodate assorted grains.
What temperature should I use to sauté?
The vegetables should be sautéed over medium-high heat.
What should the liquid do before I lower the heat to simmer?
You should first bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to a gentle simmer.
What are the aromatic base vegetables for this soup?
The base consists of onion, carrot, celery, and garlic.
How much collard greens should I buy?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of chopped collard greens.
Is this soup good for healthy eating?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, nutrient-packed meal featuring whole grains.
How do I know the vegetables are ready during the sauté step?
The vegetables are ready when they have softened and the mushrooms have released their moisture.
What should I do if the soup needs more flavor at the end?
The instructions suggest tasting the soup and adjusting the seasoning if necessary after cooking.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
The recipe recommends partially covering the pot while the barley simmers.
Is there a specific way to prep the carrots and celery?
Both the carrot and the celery rib should be chopped.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include soup, mushroom, barley, vegetarian, winter, healthy, and comfort food.