Hearty Tomato and Barley Vegetable Soup
This Hearty Tomato and Barley Vegetable Soup is a warm and inviting dish that brings together a medley of fresh vegetables and the wholesome goodness of pearl barley. Adapted from a beloved recipe by Nancy Olsen, this soup is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch, making it perfect for those seeking a healthy meal option. Whether you opt for chicken broth or vegetable broth, you'll enjoy a savory and comforting experience. It's a fantastic Weight Watchers-friendly choice that is full of flavor and fiber, perfect as a light meal or a satisfying starter. Ideal for cold evenings, this robust soup will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
6
Servings
53
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 cup (diced)
carrot
1 cup (diced)
celery
1 cup (diced)
garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
pearl barley
1/3 cup (soaked)
stewed tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (blended (optional))
chicken broth
2 cups
water
2 cups
bay leaf
1
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot along with the minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
3
While the vegetables are cooking, rinse the pearl barley under cold water and soak it in a bowl of water to cover.
4
Once the onions and other vegetables have softened, add the stewed tomatoes (which can be blended for a smoother texture), chicken or vegetable broth, water, bay leaf, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally.
5
Drain the soaked barley and add it to the soup. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil.
6
Cover the pot and cook for approximately 45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally and check the consistency.
7
If the soup becomes too thick, add additional water or broth to achieve the desired consistency. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Nutrition Information
1.2g
Fat
9.5g
Carbs
1.7g
Protein
2.3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Tomato and Barley Vegetable Soup?
It is a warm and inviting dish featuring fresh vegetables and pearl barley, adapted from a recipe by Nancy Olsen.
Is this soup healthy and Weight Watchers-friendly?
Yes, it is a healthy meal option that is Weight Watchers-friendly, full of flavor, and high in fiber.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
There are 53 calories in each serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 1.2g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a single serving?
There are 9.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the soup?
Each serving provides 1.7g of protein.
How much fiber is in each serving?
The soup contains 2.3g of fiber per serving.
What type of barley is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of pearl barley.
How should the pearl barley be prepared?
The barley should be rinsed under cold water and soaked in a bowl of water before being added to the soup.
What vegetables are included in the base of the soup?
The soup includes diced onion, carrot, and celery.
How much onion, carrot, and celery is required?
You need 1 cup each of diced onion, carrot, and celery.
How much garlic is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
What kind of oil should be used for sautéing?
Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the vegetables.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
The vegetables should be sautéed for about 10 minutes until they soften.
What is the indication that the onions are ready?
The onions should be sautéed until they become translucent.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can use either chicken or vegetable broth based on your preference.
How many cups of broth are required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of broth.
How should the stewed tomatoes be prepared?
Use one 14-ounce can of stewed tomatoes, which can be blended for a smoother texture.
How much water is added initially?
The recipe starts with 2 cups of water added to the broth mixture.
What seasonings are used in the soup?
The soup is seasoned with one bay leaf and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
When should the barley be added to the pot?
Add the soaked and drained barley after the soup mixture has reached a rolling boil.
How long does the soup simmer once the barley is added?
The soup should be covered and cooked for approximately 45 minutes.
How do I know when the barley is finished cooking?
The barley is done when it is tender and the flavors of the soup have melded together.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
You can add additional water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Should the pot be covered during the long simmer?
Yes, covering the pot helps the barley cook and prevents too much liquid from evaporating.
What is the final step before serving the soup?
The bay leaf should be removed from the pot before serving.
Is this soup a good choice for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as ideal for cold evenings and is very nourishing.
Can this soup be served as a starter?
Yes, it is perfect as either a light meal or a satisfying starter.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients in this recipe.