Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup
This Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that combines a medley of vegetables with wholesome barley, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a light lunch. Inspired by a beloved recipe from Better Homes & Gardens, it is low in calories and packed with fiber, ideal for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet. The slow-cooked flavors meld beautifully, producing a rich and delicious soup that's best served with a slice of crusty bread for an added touch. Perfect for meal prep, this soup is not only easy to make but also stores well in the fridge for several days.
N/A
Servings
40
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
3 cups (none)
Diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can (drained)
Frozen mixed vegetables
1 (10 ounce) package (none)
Zucchini
1 medium (quartered lengthwise and sliced)
Celery
2 stalks (chopped (1 cup))
Carrots
2 medium (chopped (1 cup))
Onion
1 medium (chopped (1/2 cup))
Tomato sauce
4 ounces (about 1/2 cup)
Barley
1/3 cup (rinsed)
Chicken bouillon granules
4 teaspoons (none)
Dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
Dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (crushed)
Ground red pepper
1 dash (none)
Instructions
1
In a 3-1/2 to 4-quart electric crock pot, combine all ingredients: water, diced tomatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, zucchini, celery, carrots, onion, tomato sauce, barley, chicken bouillon granules, dried basil, dried oregano, and ground red pepper.
2
Stir the mixture gently to combine all ingredients well.
3
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to the low-heat setting. Allow it to cook for 9 to 11 hours, or set it to the high-heat setting and cook for 4-1/2 to 5-1/2 hours.
4
Once the cooking time is complete, check the barley and vegetables for tenderness. Adjust seasoning as necessary before serving. Enjoy the soup warm with your favorite crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
0.2g
Fat
8g
Carbs
2g
Protein
1.6g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup?
Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that combines a medley of vegetables with wholesome barley, perfect for a cozy dinner or light lunch.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
There are approximately 40 calories per serving in this recipe.
Is this soup high in fiber?
Yes, it contains 1.6g of fiber per serving, making it a nutritious choice for a healthy diet.
What size crock pot should I use for this recipe?
A 3-1/2 to 4-quart electric crock pot is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the soup cook on the low-heat setting?
The soup should cook for 9 to 11 hours on the low-heat setting.
Can I cook this vegetable barley soup on a high-heat setting?
Yes, you can cook it on the high-heat setting for 4-1/2 to 5-1/2 hours.
What kind of barley is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of barley, which should be rinsed before adding to the crock pot.
What vegetables are included in the soup?
The soup includes diced tomatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, zucchini, celery, carrots, and onion.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be quartered lengthwise and then sliced.
What is the fat content of this soup?
This soup is very low in fat, containing only 0.2g per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving provides about 2g of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 8g of carbohydrates per serving in this soup.
Does this recipe use chicken bouillon?
Yes, it uses 4 teaspoons of chicken bouillon granules for flavoring.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses dried basil, dried oregano, and a dash of ground red pepper.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 13 main ingredients used in this soup recipe.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge for several days.
What should I serve with this soup?
It is best served warm with a slice of crusty bread.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
Yes, the 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes should be drained before adding to the crock pot.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe calls for one medium onion, which should yield about 1/2 cup chopped.
How much celery and carrots should I add?
Use two stalks of celery and two medium carrots, both chopped to yield 1 cup each.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should check the barley and vegetables for tenderness and adjust the seasoning as necessary before serving.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific source?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by a beloved recipe from Better Homes & Gardens.
Does the soup contain tomato sauce?
Yes, it includes 4 ounces (about 1/2 cup) of tomato sauce.
Is this soup considered a vegetarian dish?
While it is packed with vegetables, it uses chicken bouillon; to make it vegetarian, substitute with vegetable bouillon.
What is the texture of the soup after cooking?
The slow-cooked flavors meld together to produce a rich and delicious hearty texture.
How much water is needed for the base?
The recipe requires 3 cups of water.
Are the dried herbs crushed?
Yes, both the dried basil and dried oregano should be crushed before being added.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy crock pot recipe where you simply combine ingredients and cook.
Is this soup low in calories?
Yes, at 40 calories per serving, it is a great option for those looking for low-calorie meals.
How much ground red pepper is added?
The recipe calls for just one dash of ground red pepper.