This Vegetable Barley Soup is not only hearty and comforting but also incredibly easy to make, ready in less than 30 minutes with minimal prep work. Utilizing frozen vegetables makes it a convenient choice for busy days, and the addition of barley provides a satisfying texture that will keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Nourishing: Packed with vegetables and fiber-rich barley.
- Vegan-Friendly: A wholesome option for everyone.
- Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep; just store leftovers for later.
Ingredients
To serve 5, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Medium onion, diced | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Carrots, diced | 2 medium |
| Celery, diced | 2 stalks |
| Canned diced tomatoes | 1 (14.5 ounces) |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup |
| Frozen green beans | 1 cup |
| Frozen corn | 1 cup |
| Pearl barley | 1 cup |
| Vegetable broth | 4½ cups |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tablespoon |
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Barley: Rinse and drain the pearl barley, then set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent (about 4-5 minutes).
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced carrots and celery along with onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed barley, frozen peas, green beans, corn, canned tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything together.
- Cook the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 15-25 minutes until the barley is tender but still chewy.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth or water.
- Serve Hot: Ladle into bowls and enjoy your cozy soup! It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.
Nutritional Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 235 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 9g
Tips & Notes
- Storage: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.
- Variations: Feel free to substitute any of the frozen vegetables with fresh ones or add your favorite spices.
- Serving Suggestions: Top with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added flavor.
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This Vegetable Barley Soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that embodies comfort during those cold winter days. Enjoy making it as much as you will savor every spoonful!
