Hearty Veggie Barley Soup
This Hearty Veggie Barley Soup is a deliciously filling and nutritious option, perfect for lunch or as a snack. Packed with fresh vegetables and hearty barley, this soup is not only economical but also bursting with flavor. It's an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and satisfies your cravings without guilt. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Ideal for those following a Weight Watchers plan, each cup is only 1 point, making it a great addition to your meal routine.
N/A
Servings
40
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrot
2/3 cup (sliced)
Onion
1/2 cup (diced)
Celery
1/2 cup (sliced)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Tomato paste
1 tablespoon (optional; use ketchup if needed)
Fat-free chicken broth
6 cups (low-sodium preferred)
Green cabbage
2 cups (chopped (about 1/4 head))
Dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Barley
1/3 cup (uncooked)
Zucchini
1 (sliced)
Fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by spraying a large saucepan with non-stick spray on medium heat.
2
Add the sliced carrots, diced onion, and sliced celery. Saute for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic for the final minute of cooking to release its flavor.
3
Stir in the tomato paste and mix well, ensuring the vegetables are coated.
4
Pour in the fat-free chicken broth, and add the chopped cabbage, dried basil, dried thyme, and uncooked barley. Stir everything together well.
5
Bring the mixture to a simmer, covering the pot partially. Cook for about 40 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
6
After 20 minutes of simmering the barley, add the sliced zucchini and chopped fresh parsley, allowing them to cook for the last 20 minutes.
7
Once done, taste and season with coarsely ground black pepper, and add 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese on top if desired before serving.
Nutrition Information
0.17g
Fat
8.33g
Carbs
1.67g
Protein
1.67g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Veggie Barley Soup?
Hearty Veggie Barley Soup is a nutritious, filling, and economical soup packed with fresh vegetables and barley, suitable for lunch or snacks.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
This soup contains approximately 40 calories per serving.
Is this recipe Weight Watchers friendly?
Yes, it is designed for those on a Weight Watchers plan and is only 1 point per cup.
What are the primary vegetables in this recipe?
The soup includes carrots, onions, celery, garlic, green cabbage, zucchini, and fresh parsley.
How long does it take to cook the barley?
The barley takes about 40 minutes of simmering to become tender.
What can I use if I do not have tomato paste?
The recipe suggests using ketchup as an optional substitute if tomato paste is unavailable.
Is this soup vegan?
As written, it uses chicken broth, but you can easily make it vegan by substituting with vegetable broth.
When should I add the zucchini?
Add the sliced zucchini after the barley has simmered for 20 minutes, letting it cook for the final 20 minutes.
How much fat is in this soup?
This recipe is very low in fat, containing only 0.17g per serving.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of fat-free chicken broth, with a preference for low-sodium versions.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 8.33g of carbohydrates in each serving.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with dried basil, dried thyme, and fresh parsley.
How much fiber does this soup provide?
Each serving provides approximately 1.67g of fiber.
Can I add cheese to this soup?
Yes, you can sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra flavor.
How much barley is required?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of uncooked barley.
How do I prepare the garlic for this recipe?
You should mince 2 cloves of garlic and add them for the final minute of sautéing the vegetables.
What is the preparation for the cabbage?
You need 2 cups of chopped green cabbage, which is roughly 1/4 of a head.
How much protein is in the Hearty Veggie Barley Soup?
There is approximately 1.67g of protein per serving.
How should the carrots be prepared?
You should use 2/3 cup of sliced carrots.
Is oil needed for sautéing?
No, the recipe uses non-stick spray to sauté the vegetables on medium heat.
What is the recommended serving size?
The description mentions 1 cup is a common portion, especially for Weight Watchers tracking.
When do I add the parsley?
The chopped fresh parsley should be added during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
How much onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of diced onion.
Is this soup gluten-free?
No, because barley contains gluten, this soup is not gluten-free.
How do I season the soup at the end?
Once cooking is complete, taste and season the soup with coarsely ground black pepper.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 main ingredients in this recipe.
How much celery is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of sliced celery.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, barley soups are excellent for meal prep and often taste better the next day.
What heat level should I use to start?
Start by sautéing your vegetables over medium heat.
Does this soup contain any cholesterol?
The provided data indicates no cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice.