Warm up your kitchen and your soul with a bowl of Comforting Mushroom Barley Soup! This hearty, flavorful soup is not just a dish; it's an experience that wraps you in cozy goodness with every spoonful. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up, this recipe combines the earthy richness of mushrooms with the wholesome texture of pearl barley. With just 50 minutes from prep to table, you'll be savoring a deliciously satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Ready to dive into this delightful culinary adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, pearl barley, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about a minute.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and have released their moisture.
- Once the mushrooms are cooked, add 1 cup of pearl barley to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth and add 1 teaspoon of thyme. Stir everything together to ensure the barley is evenly distributed.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
- Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and has absorbed some of the broth.
- After 30 minutes, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Once ready, remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the comforting mushroom barley soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and measure out your ingredients in advance. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Mushroom Variety: Feel free to mix different types of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello, to add depth and complexity to the flavor of your soup.
- Broth Matters: Using a high-quality vegetable broth can elevate the taste of your soup significantly. If you have homemade broth, even better!
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more broth as it simmers. Conversely, for a heartier texture, let it simmer longer to thicken.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley for an extra flavor kick. Adding fresh herbs just before serving can also brighten up the dish.
- Leftover Love: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a perfect meal prep option. Just reheat gently on the stove when you're ready to enjoy it again!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
