Hearty Polish Bean and Barley Delight
This delightful soup is a cherished recipe passed down through generations, known for its nurturing warmth and wholesome flavors. Packed with protein-rich lima beans and nutty barley, it's a perfect dish for chilly days or anytime you crave comfort food. The vibrant mix of fresh vegetables adds both color and nutrition, while the fragrant dill enhances the overall taste. Not only do kids love this soup, but it also tastes even better on the second day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy families.
6-8
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
large lima beans
1 (cup)
barley
1/2 (cup)
mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, zucchini, mushrooms, etc.)
3-4 (cups, chopped)
large onion
1 (diced)
cooking oil
to taste
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
fresh dill
to taste (chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing and soaking the lima beans in water for several hours or overnight for optimal tenderness.
2
In a large pot, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the soaked lima beans and boil for 1 minute. Drain them well.
3
Add 8-10 cups of hot water to the pot, along with the barley and your choice of chopped vegetables. Stir well to combine.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil again. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about one hour, stirring occasionally, until the beans and barley are tender.
5
While the soup is simmering, heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
6
Transfer the sautéed onions to the soup pot and stir to incorporate.
7
Season the soup with salt, pepper, and chopped dill, adjusting to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Polish Bean and Barley Delight?
It is a traditional Polish soup featuring protein-rich lima beans, nutty barley, and fresh vegetables, known for its nurturing warmth and wholesome flavors.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings, making it ideal for a family meal.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this soup is vegan-friendly as it is made entirely with plant-based ingredients like beans, barley, and vegetables.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 7.5 grams of protein per serving, primarily from the lima beans and barley.
Do I need to soak the lima beans?
Yes, for optimal tenderness, you should rinse and soak the lima beans in water for several hours or overnight.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3-4 cups of mixed chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, zucchini, and mushrooms.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer uncovered for about one hour, plus an additional 10-15 minutes after adding the sautéed onions and seasonings.
What role does the dill play in this soup?
Fresh dill provides a fragrant aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile, giving it a signature Polish taste.
Is this dish high in fiber?
Yes, it provides 5 grams of fiber per serving, which is beneficial for digestion.
Can I prepare this meal in advance?
Absolutely. This soup is perfect for make-ahead meals because the flavors meld and improve by the second day.
How should the onions be prepared?
One large onion should be diced and sautéed in oil until golden brown and caramelized before being added to the soup.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The soup contains approximately 2.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this soup?
Each serving has 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe considered kid-friendly?
Yes, the soup is known for being loved by kids due to its mild, comforting flavor and colorful vegetables.
Can I use different types of beans?
While the recipe specifies large lima beans, you could substitute other white beans, though it may slightly alter the texture and tradition of the dish.
How much water is required for the soup?
You will need 8 to 10 cups of hot water added to the pot with the barley and vegetables.
What is the first step in cooking the soaked beans?
After soaking, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the beans for 1 minute, and then drain them well before starting the main soup.
What gives the soup its nutty flavor?
The addition of half a cup of barley provides a distinctive nutty flavor and a pleasant chewy texture.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a large soup pot for the main cooking and a skillet for sautéing the onions.
How do I season the soup?
Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh dill according to your personal taste preferences.
Does this soup contain cholesterol?
No, this recipe is cholesterol-free as it contains no animal products.
Is barley gluten-free?
No, barley contains gluten. Those with gluten sensitivities should be aware that this recipe is not gluten-free.
Should the pot be covered during simmering?
The instructions recommend letting the mixture simmer uncovered to allow the soup to develop the right consistency.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
Sautéing the diced onions until they are golden brown and caramelized takes about 8 to 10 minutes over medium heat.
What makes this a 'hearty' soup?
The combination of fiber-rich beans and dense barley makes this soup very filling and satisfying.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, though fresh dill is preferred for its vibrant flavor, dried dill can be substituted in smaller quantities.
Is there any added sugar?
No, this recipe does not contain any added sugars.
What is the texture of the beans in this soup?
By soaking and simmering properly, the lima beans become tender and creamy, providing a nice contrast to the barley.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 8 main ingredients listed, including the primary staples and the essential seasonings.