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Step-by-step recipe card for making hearty vegetable barley soup.

Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup

Ely Rechard
Vegetable Barley Soup is a nutritious, hearty, and comforting dish made with fresh vegetables, tender barley, and flavorful spices. This one-pot meal is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a great choice for digestion, immunity, and heart health
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot (at least 5 quarts)
  • Wooden spoon (for stirring)
  • Cutting board & knife (for chopping vegetables)
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Ladle (for serving)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pearled barley or hulled barley for more texture
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 2 celery stalks sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium potatoes diced
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Seasonings & Herbs:
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp thyme dried or fresh
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional Additions:
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
  • 1 can 15 oz chickpeas for extra protein

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  • Step 2: Add Barley and Broth
  • Stir in barley, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
  • Add bay leaves, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  • Step 3: Simmer the Soup
  • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  • Cover and simmer for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the barley is tender.
  • Step 4: Final Touches & Serving
  • Remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Stir in parsley, peas, or spinach if using, and cook for 5 more minutes.
  • Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

🔥 For a Spicier Version: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes.
🍄 For a Creamier Soup: Stir in ½ cup coconut milk at the end.
🥩 For a Meat Option: Add shredded chicken or ground turkey.
Keyword Hearty Barley Soup, Homemade Barley Soup, Nutritious Vegetable Soup, Vegetable Barley Soup