Name: Barley Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (130g) pearled barley, rinsed and drained; 1 cup (130g) frozen peas (or other beans like green beans or chickpeas); 4 ½ cups water or vegetable broth, plus more if needed; 1 tbsp tomato paste (or 1 diced tomato); 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 medium-sized onion, diced; 1 large celery rib, sliced; 2 large carrots, diced; 1 medium-sized potato, cut into cubes; 1 tsp oregano; 2 bay leaves; 3 thyme sprigs (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste

Description

This hearty and wholesome barley soup is filled with vegetables, barley, and a rich broth. Perfect for cozy days, it’s a filling, vegan-friendly meal that’s easy to make and budget-friendly.

Ingredients

3/4 cup (130g) pearled barley, rinsed and drained

1 cup (130g) frozen peas (or other beans like green beans or chickpeas)

4 ½ cups water or vegetable broth, plus more if needed

1 tbsp tomato paste (or 1 diced tomato)

1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

1 garlic clove, minced

1 medium-sized onion, diced

1 large celery rib, sliced

2 large carrots, diced

1 medium-sized potato, cut into cubes

1 tsp oregano

2 bay leaves

3 thyme sprigs (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the onion softens, about 7 minutes.
Add minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. Stir for about 1 minute.
Stir in the barley, cubed potatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well.
Pour in vegetable broth (or water), add salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until barley is tender. Add more broth or water for a thinner soup.
Once barley is cooked, add peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and top with freshly ground black pepper. Optional: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a non-vegan version.

Notes

For extra nutrition, stir in spinach or kale.

For more protein, add cooked chicken or chickpeas.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

For a creamy version, blend part of the soup and stir it back in.

Feel free to swap vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Vegan

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 240
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg