Description
Hearty Mushroom & Barley Soup celebrates rustic comfort with earthy mushrooms and wholesome grains. Rich Mediterranean-inspired flavors meld perfectly, promising a nourishing bowl that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 1 lb (454 g) mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button)
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Additions:
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature, creating a warm base for the soup’s aromatic foundation.
- Gently introduce chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot, allowing them to soften and release their subtle flavors through a 5-7 minute sautéing process.
- Incorporate minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for an additional minute, filling the kitchen with its enticing fragrance.
- Introduce sliced mushrooms to the vegetable medley, stirring consistently to ensure even cooking and caramelization of their earthy essence.
- Pour in vegetable or chicken broth, creating a rich liquid environment that will support the barley and vegetables.
- Add pearl barley to the pot, allowing it to simmer and gradually absorb the surrounding flavors while developing a tender, hearty texture.
- Season the brewing soup with dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, creating a balanced flavor profile that enhances the natural ingredients.
- Reduce heat and let the soup gently simmer, covering the pot to trap the aromatic steam and allow ingredients to meld together harmoniously.
- Cook until barley becomes pleasantly tender and vegetables reach a perfect state of softness, typically requiring 30-40 minutes of patient simmering.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, ensuring a perfectly balanced and comforting soup experience.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant, final touch.
Notes
- Boost umami flavor by using a mix of mushroom varieties like shiitake, cremini, and oyster for complex taste.
- Rinse barley thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent a gummy texture in the final soup.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute barley with quinoa or brown rice to maintain the hearty consistency.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding a handful of chopped kale or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra vitamins and minerals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg