Savory Wild Mushroom Barley Delight
This Savory Wild Mushroom Barley Delight brings together a rich medley of dried mushrooms and fresh vegetables, simmered to perfection in a fragrant thyme and sherry-infused broth. Each spoonful is a comforting treat, ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy evening at home. With the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the wholesome heartiness of barley, this soup not only warms the soul but also serves as a nourishing meal. For those preferring a non-alcoholic option, simply substitute the sherry with a flavor-packed blend of fruit juice and extracts, ensuring everyone can savor this delightful dish.
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 liter (steaming)
dried mushrooms
30 g (any variety, soaked and chopped)
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
onion
1 (finely diced)
celery
1 stalk (finely diced)
carrot
1 (finely diced)
sherry wine
1/4 cup (optional, for flavor enhancement)
vegetable stock
1/2 liter (or chicken stock)
pearl barley
1 cup (rinsed)
thyme
2 teaspoons (chopped)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat 1 liter of water until steaming. Add the dried mushrooms, cover, and let them soak for at least 20 minutes until rehydrated and soft.
2
Once the mushrooms are soft, strain them, reserving the broth. Chop the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces.
3
In the same pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook slowly, stirring often until the onions are beautifully caramelized, about 15 minutes.
4
Add the diced celery and carrot to the pot and sauté for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
5
Stir in the chopped mushrooms and sauté for an additional 2 minutes to incorporate their flavors.
6
Pour in the sherry wine, allowing it to reduce until almost evaporated, imparting depth to the soup.
7
Add the reserved mushroom broth, vegetable or chicken stock, and pearl barley to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
8
Allow the soup to simmer gently for 30 minutes or until the barley is almost tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
9
In the last few minutes of cooking, add the chopped thyme, salt, and pepper to taste, and continue simmering for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the barley is fully cooked and tender.
10
Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or your choice of herbs.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
20g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Wild Mushroom Barley Delight?
It is a rich, comforting soup made with a medley of dried mushrooms, fresh vegetables, and pearl barley simmered in a thyme and sherry-infused broth.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include dried mushrooms, pearl barley, onion, celery, carrot, butter, vegetable or chicken stock, and sherry wine.
How should I prepare the dried mushrooms?
Soak 30g of dried mushrooms in 1 liter of steaming water for at least 20 minutes until soft, then strain and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Should I keep the water used to soak the mushrooms?
Yes, you should reserve the mushroom soaking broth to add back into the soup for extra depth and flavor.
How long do the dried mushrooms need to soak?
The dried mushrooms need to soak for at least 20 minutes in steaming water until they are rehydrated and soft.
What is the best way to cook the onions for this recipe?
Cook the finely diced onions slowly in melted butter over low heat for about 15 minutes until they are beautifully caramelized.
Can I use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock?
Yes, the recipe allows for either vegetable stock or chicken stock depending on your preference.
What type of barley is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of rinsed pearl barley.
Is the sherry wine necessary?
The sherry wine is optional and used for flavor enhancement; it provides depth to the soup when reduced.
What can I use as a substitute for sherry wine?
For a non-alcoholic option, you can substitute the sherry with a blend of fruit juice and extracts.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 2 grams of fat per serving in this mushroom barley soup.
How many grams of protein does this soup provide?
This soup provides 3 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What vegetables are included in the base of the soup?
The base includes finely diced onion, one stalk of celery, and one carrot.
When should I add the fresh thyme?
Add the chopped thyme in the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking to ensure the flavor is fresh and aromatic.
How long does the barley take to cook?
The soup should simmer for about 30 minutes until the barley is almost tender, then another 5-10 minutes once seasoned.
Do I need to rinse the pearl barley before adding it to the pot?
Yes, the instructions recommend rinsing the pearl barley before using it.
How much dried mushroom is required?
The recipe requires 30 grams of any variety of dried mushrooms.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
This soup is best served hot.
Can I garnish this soup?
Yes, you can garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or your choice of fresh herbs.
How do I achieve a caramelized onion flavor?
Stir the onions often and cook them slowly over low heat for a full 15 minutes to develop the sugars.
What is the total liquid volume used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 liter of water (reserved from soaking) and an additional 1/2 liter of vegetable or chicken stock.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'comfort food' because of its earthy flavors and hearty consistency.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by using vegetable stock and replacing the butter with a plant-based oil or vegan butter, this recipe becomes vegan.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of butter for sautéing the vegetables.
Is this recipe easy to follow for beginners?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple simmering and sautéing techniques.
What is the purpose of reducing the sherry wine?
Reducing the sherry until it is almost evaporated helps concentrate its flavor and adds significant depth to the broth.
Can I use different types of dried mushrooms?
Yes, you can use any variety of dried mushrooms to create different earthy flavor profiles.