Are you craving a hearty, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying meal that transports you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy? Look no further than this amazing Meal in a Jar Italian Barley Soup! Packed with wholesome vegetables, protein-rich barley, and a symphony of classic Italian seasonings, this soup is not just a dish—it's a culinary experience that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or when you simply want a delicious, one-pot wonder that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup barley
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and dicing vegetables: zucchini, carrots, and onions into uniform small cubes, ensuring approximately 1/2-inch size for even cooking.
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced carrots to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add rinsed barley to the pot, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the liquid. Reduce heat to low-medium and cover the pot.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the soup. Stir gently to incorporate the spices throughout the mixture.
- Allow the soup to simmer covered for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until barley is tender and vegetables are soft but not mushy.
- Add diced zucchini during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to maintain its texture and prevent overcooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and slightly thicken.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Tips
- Barley Prep: Always rinse your barley thoroughly before cooking to remove any dust or debris and prevent a cloudy soup.
- Vegetable Cutting: Aim for uniform, small dice (about 1/2-inch) to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Layering Flavors: Sauté onions and carrots first to develop a deeper, richer flavor base for your soup.
- Seasoning Strategy: Add Italian seasoning early in the cooking process to allow the herbs to fully infuse the broth.
- Zucchini Timing: Add zucchini late in the cooking process to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Liquid Adjustment: If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, don't hesitate to add a bit more vegetable broth.
- Resting Time: Let the soup rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and slightly thicken.
- Serving Suggestions: Enhance your soup with optional garnishes like fresh basil, grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
