Bowl of ultimate vegetable barley soup with fresh vegetables and barley

Ultimate Vegetable Barley Soup

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why make this recipe

Ultimate Vegetable Barley Soup is a hearty and healthy dish packed with flavors and nutrients. Making soup at home is rewarding, and this recipe is simple and quick. It uses common vegetables and barley, making it a perfect choice for a comforting meal. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have in your fridge!

how to make Ultimate Vegetable Barley Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup barley
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
  3. Stir in garlic and bell pepper; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  4. Add zucchini, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
  5. Stir in barley, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until barley is tender.
  7. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.

how to serve Ultimate Vegetable Barley Soup

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. You can pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and everyone will enjoy its warm and cozy flavors.

how to store Ultimate Vegetable Barley Soup

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. Just make sure to leave some room in the container, as the soup may expand when frozen.

tips to make Ultimate Vegetable Barley Soup

  • Use any vegetables you like or have on hand. Spinach, kale, or potatoes can work well in this soup.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while it simmers, but remember to remove it before serving.
  • If you like a thicker soup, blend a portion of it before serving.

variation

You can add beans or lentils for more protein. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. Swap out the vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian option.

FAQs

Q: Can I use quick-cooking barley instead of regular barley?
A: Yes, but reduce the cooking time according to the package instructions, as quick-cooking barley cooks faster.

Q: Is this soup vegan?
A: Yes, this Ultimate Vegetable Barley Soup is completely vegan as it contains no animal products.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Just add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Adjust the liquid if needed.

Ultimate Vegetable Barley Soup

A hearty and healthy vegetable soup packed with flavors and nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup barley Regular barley, not quick-cooking
  • 4 cups vegetable broth Can substitute with chicken broth for non-vegetarian option
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
  3. Stir in garlic and bell pepper; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Add zucchini, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
  2. Stir in barley, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until barley is tender.
  4. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.

Notes

Use any vegetables you like or have on hand. For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while it simmers, but remember to remove it before serving. If you like a thicker soup, blend a portion of it before serving.