Hearty Pearl Barley Vegetable Medley Soup
This nourishing Hearty Pearl Barley Vegetable Medley Soup combines the wholesome goodness of pearl barley with an array of fresh garden vegetables, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. Pearl barley, a polished form of the grain, is not only rich in flavor but also low on the glycemic index, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels. The soup is elevated by aromatic herbs and sautéed vegetables, resulting in a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Perfect for chilly days or as a hearty lunch, this soup not only warms the soul but also nourishes the body, drawing on ancient traditions of barley cultivation that date back to the Stone Age. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
pearl barley
3/4 cup (rinsed)
vegetable stock
11 cups (divided)
canola oil or olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
chopped onions
1 1/2 cups (freshly chopped)
chopped carrot
1 cup (freshly chopped)
chopped celery
1/2 cup (freshly chopped)
thinly sliced mushrooms
1 cup (fresh)
salt
to taste
fresh parsley
1/2 bunch (chopped)
Instructions
1
Rinse the pearl barley under cold water until the water runs clear.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed barley with 3 cups of vegetable stock and bring to a boil over medium heat.
3
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer the barley for 1 hour or until the liquid is absorbed and the barley is tender.
4
While the barley is cooking, heat the canola or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
5
Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cover the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.
6
Pour in the remaining 8 cups of vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes with the lid on, allowing the flavors to meld.
7
Once the barley is cooked, add it to the vegetable mixture and stir well. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
8
Season with salt to taste before serving.
9
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Pearl Barley Vegetable Medley Soup?
It is a nourishing soup that combines the wholesome goodness of pearl barley with an array of fresh garden vegetables for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it uses vegetable stock and plant-based ingredients.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan-friendly, provided you use vegetable oil and vegetable stock.
What is pearl barley?
Pearl barley is a polished form of the grain that is rich in flavor and has a low glycemic index, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
How long does it take to cook the pearl barley?
The pearl barley needs to simmer for approximately 1 hour or until the liquid is absorbed and the grain is tender.
Do I need to rinse the barley before cooking?
Yes, you should rinse the pearl barley under cold water until the water runs clear before starting the cooking process.
What vegetables are included in this medley?
The soup includes chopped onions, carrots, celery, and thinly sliced mushrooms.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
You can use either canola oil or olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
How much vegetable stock is required in total?
The recipe calls for a total of 11 cups of vegetable stock, divided between cooking the barley and the soup base.
Why is pearl barley considered healthy?
It is high in fiber and low on the glycemic index, making it beneficial for digestion and blood sugar management.
How do I prepare the vegetables for the soup?
The onions, carrots, and celery should be chopped, and the mushrooms should be thinly sliced.
How long should the vegetable mixture simmer?
The vegetable mixture should simmer for about 30 minutes with the lid on to allow the flavors to meld.
When do I add the cooked barley to the soup?
Once the barley is fully cooked and tender, add it to the vegetable mixture and simmer together for an additional 5 minutes.
What is the recommended garnish for this soup?
The soup is best garnished with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
How much salt should I add?
Salt should be added to taste at the end of the cooking process.
Is this soup a good choice for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a 'comfort food' that is perfect for chilly days.
Can I serve this soup with anything else?
It is recommended to serve this hearty soup with crusty bread for a complete meal.
What is the historical significance of barley mentioned in the description?
Barley cultivation dates back to the Stone Age, making it one of the oldest grains used in human nutrition.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 9 main ingredients: pearl barley, vegetable stock, oil, onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, salt, and parsley.
How much pearl barley do I need?
You will need 3/4 cup of pearl barley.
What is the texture of the soup like?
The soup offers a delightful blend of textures from the tender barley and sautéed garden vegetables.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 bunch of freshly chopped parsley.
Does this recipe qualify as a one-dish meal?
Yes, the soup is hearty enough to be served as a satisfying one-dish meal.
How many cups of carrots are used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of freshly chopped carrots.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of freshly chopped onions.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, making it accessible for home cooks.
Do I need to cover the pot while sautéing vegetables?
Yes, cover the pot while sautéing the vegetables for about 5 minutes to help them soften.
What is the first step in making this soup?
The first step is to rinse the pearl barley under cold water.
How much celery is in the soup?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of freshly chopped celery.
Is the barley cooked in the soup or separately?
The barley is initially cooked in a separate saucepan with stock before being added to the main vegetable pot.