Warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds with a bowl of hearty Root Vegetable Soup with Barley! This comforting American classic combines the earthy flavors of root vegetables and the nutty goodness of barley, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up, this soup promises to be a family favorite. Ready to dive into a recipe that’s as simple as it is satisfying? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, potatoes)
- 1 cup barley
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and dicing root vegetables into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced root vegetables and barley. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the soup. Stir to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent barley from sticking to the bottom.
- Check the tenderness of vegetables and barley. The soup is ready when vegetables are soft and barley is fully cooked and slightly chewy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into warm bowls and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Uniform Dicing: For even cooking, make sure to dice your root vegetables into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. This ensures that everything cooks at the same rate, giving you a perfectly textured soup.
- Sautéing Aromatics: Take your time when sautéing the onions and garlic. Cooking them until they’re translucent and slightly golden enhances their flavors and forms a flavorful base for your soup.
- Simmering Secrets: Once your soup reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each spoonful rich and satisfying.
- Adjusting Consistency: If your soup turns out thicker than desired, don’t hesitate to add a splash more vegetable broth. This will help you achieve your preferred texture without compromising flavor.
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate your soup presentation by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Not only does this add a pop of color, but it also enhances the overall flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 256kcal
Carbohydrates: 59g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg