Barley Mushroom Soup
A deeply savory and comforting soup featuring earthy mushrooms, chewy pearl barley, and a rich vegetable broth. This hearty one-pot meal is perfect for a cool evening, offering a satisfying and nutritious dish that's simple to prepare.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 60 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery (the mirepoix). Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the Mushrooms
- b.Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. To achieve a good sear, spread them in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
- c.Stir the mushrooms and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, until they have released their moisture and are well-browned all over.
- d.Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Soup
- b.Pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and add the rinsed pearl barley and the bay leaf. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- c.Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 40-45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and has a pleasant chewy texture.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Once the barley is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaf.
- c.Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- d.Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper mushroom flavor, rehydrate 15g of dried porcini mushrooms in 1 cup of hot water. Finely chop the mushrooms, add them with the fresh mushrooms, and use the strained soaking liquid as part of your broth.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the mushrooms. If your pot isn't large enough, cook them in two batches for the best color and flavor.
- 3The soup thickens considerably as it cools. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- 4For extra umami, add a Parmesan cheese rind to the soup while it simmers. Remember to remove it before serving.
- 5If using hulled barley instead of pearl barley, soak it for at least 4 hours or overnight and increase the simmering time by 15-20 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Mushroom Barley Soup
For a richer, creamier texture, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk, or a cashew cream at the very end of cooking. Gently heat through but do not boil.
Add ProteinAdd Protein
To make it a more substantial meal, add 1 can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas during the last 10 minutes of simmering, or stir in shredded rotisserie chicken.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Incorporate other woody herbs like a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few sage leaves along with the bay leaf during simmering. Remove them before serving.
Gluten Free VersionGluten-Free Version
Replace the pearl barley with 3/4 cup of quinoa or short-grain brown rice. Adjust simmering time accordingly (quinoa takes about 15-20 minutes, brown rice about 40-45). Ensure you use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Dietary Fiber
Pearl barley is an excellent source of fiber, which supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.
Supports Heart Health
This soup is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The soluble fiber in barley can help lower cholesterol levels, contributing to a healthy cardiovascular system.
Rich in Plant-Based Nutrients
Loaded with vegetables and a whole grain, this soup provides a wide array of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are crucial for overall health and well-being.
Boosts Immunity
Mushrooms are a good source of selenium and beta-glucans, compounds known to support and enhance the body's immune response.
Frequently asked questions
A 1.5 cup serving of this soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, making it a light yet satisfying meal. The exact count can vary based on the specific ingredients used.