Vegetable Barley Soup

As the seasons change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty soup to warm your soul. Our Vegetable Barley Soup is the perfect comfort food, combining wholesome ingredients with rich flavors that will make your taste buds dance. With its delightful blend of vegetables and grains, this soup is not only nourishing but also incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegetable Barley Soup is a true crowd-pleaser, and here’s why:

• Easy to Make: With a slow cooker doing most of the work, this soup is perfect for busy days.
• Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and barley, this soup is a great source of fiber and vitamins.
• Flavorful: The combination of herbs and spices ensures a delicious taste in every spoonful.
• Customizable: You can easily swap or add ingredients based on your preferences.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Chopping board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, cut into ½-circles
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into ¾-inch pieces
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups frozen green beans
• ¾ cup pearl barley
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¾ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground pepper
• 1 (14 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• ¼ cup minced flat-leaf parsley

Instructions

1. Combine all of the ingredients, except for the parsley, in a large (6-quart) slow cooker.
2. Cook on LOW until the barley is tender, about 8 hours.
3. Stir in the parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• For a richer flavor, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Be sure to use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water added.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Replace barley with quinoa or rice for a gluten-free option.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This soup is a nutritious powerhouse, providing a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for a light meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

How long will it last in the fridge? Stored in an airtight container, this soup will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen? Absolutely! Just chop them into bite-sized pieces before adding to the slow cooker.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and eating this delightful Vegetable Barley Soup as much as we do. It’s a perfect dish for those cozy nights at home or when you’re hosting a gathering. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Feel free to share your experience and any creative twists you make to the recipe.