Karol Smith
Versatile Vegetable Barley Soup: A Hearty and Nutritious Delight
This Versatile Vegetable Barley Soup is a perfect blend of wholesome grains and vibrant vegetables. It’s the ideal comfort food to warm you up on a chilly evening while delivering a nutritious punch. The barley adds a chewy texture and a nutty taste, which complements the medley of vegetables perfectly. Easy to prepare, this soup can be a delightful addition to your weekly meal rotation.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of pearl barley
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 3 medium carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 cup of chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
– 8 cups of vegetable broth
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups of fresh spinach or kale, chopped
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Barley:
– Rinse the barley under cold water.
– In a large pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
– Add the barley, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes or until tender.
– Drain any excess water and set the barley aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
– In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent.
– Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the Broth and Remaining Vegetables:
– Pour in the vegetable broth, chopped tomatoes, diced bell pepper, diced zucchini, bay leaves, and dried thyme.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Combine and Finalize:
– Add the cooked barley to the soup pot and stir well to combine.
– Let the soup cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
– Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
– Add the lemon juice and stir well.
5. Serve:
– Remove the bay leaves from the soup.
– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
– Serve hot and enjoy!
This Versatile Vegetable Barley Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
