Savory Chunky Mushroom Barley Delight
Warm up with this hearty Savory Chunky Mushroom Barley Delight, a comforting soup that showcases the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the wholesome goodness of barley. This recipe is perfect for a cozy evening at home or for sharing with friends and family. Packed with nutrients, this soup combines sautéed onions and mushrooms with a rich chicken broth, creating a deliciously satisfying meal that is both filling and nutritious. Enjoy the delightful texture of barley as it cooks to perfection, making this dish a nourishing choice for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (None)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
white button mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
flour
2 tablespoons (None)
bay leaf
1 (None)
chicken broth
3 cups (None)
barley
1/3 cup (None)
salt
to taste (None)
black pepper
to taste (None)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Sauté while stirring for about 8 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and mushrooms are tender.
3
Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the flour over the mushroom and onion mixture. Stir well to combine, cooking for an additional minute to remove the raw flour taste.
4
Gradually pour in the chicken broth in a steady stream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps and to ensure the flour is well incorporated.
5
Add the barley and bay leaf to the pot. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6
Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the barley is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally and add water if the soup thickens too much.
7
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chunky Mushroom Barley Delight?
It is a hearty, comforting soup made with earthy mushrooms, wholesome barley, and a savory chicken broth base.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include vegetable oil, chopped onions, sliced white button mushrooms, flour, a bay leaf, chicken broth, and barley.
How long does it take to cook this soup?
The preparation involves about 10 minutes of sautéing followed by 30 to 40 minutes of simmering until the barley is tender.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for white button mushrooms, but you can also use cremini or baby bella mushrooms for a deeper flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken broth with an equal amount of vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
How can I make this soup vegan?
To make it vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your flour and other ingredients are vegan-certified.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it contains flour and barley, which both contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and substitute barley with a gluten-free grain like buckwheat or brown rice.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
The flour acts as a thickener, creating a slightly richer and more velvety consistency for the broth.
Can I use pearl barley instead of hulled barley?
Yes, pearl barley is commonly used and will cook within the 30-40 minute timeframe specified.
How do I know when the barley is done?
The barley is ready when it is tender and chewy but no longer hard in the center.
Can I freeze Savory Chunky Mushroom Barley Delight?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months, though the barley may absorb more liquid upon thawing.
How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
What should I do if the soup gets too thick?
Barley continues to absorb liquid as it sits. If it becomes too thick, simply stir in a little water or extra broth when reheating.
Should I wash the barley before adding it to the pot?
It is a good practice to rinse barley under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve to remove any dust or debris before cooking.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely. Carrots, celery, and garlic are excellent additions that complement the mushroom and barley flavors.
Is the bay leaf edible?
The bay leaf is used for infusion and should be removed before serving as it remains tough and is not meant to be eaten.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.
What kind of onion is best for this recipe?
A medium yellow or white onion is ideal for its balanced sweetness and savory flavor when sautéed.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, olive oil is a great substitute and adds a slightly different depth of flavor to the sautéed vegetables.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Sauté the onions and mushrooms first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on the ingredients (3 cups of broth and 1/3 cup barley), this recipe typically serves 2 to 3 people as a main dish.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it is packed with fiber from the barley and mushrooms, making it a nutritious and filling meal.
Can I use dried mushrooms?
Yes, but you should rehydrate them in warm water first and use the soaking liquid as part of your broth for extra flavor.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Adding cooked shredded chicken or beef chunks can turn this into an even heartier meal.
Why do I need to sauté the onions and mushrooms first?
Sautéing develops the sugars in the onions and browns the mushrooms, which significantly enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, beef broth works very well with mushrooms and barley, providing a darker, richer flavor profile.
What if I don't have a bay leaf?
If you don't have a bay leaf, you can omit it or add a pinch of dried thyme or oregano for an aromatic touch.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Can I use pre-sliced mushrooms?
Yes, pre-sliced mushrooms are a great time-saver for this recipe.
Does the barley need to be soaked overnight?
No, barley does not require soaking and will cook perfectly fine during the simmering stage of the recipe.