The chewy, nutty barley makes it so much more interesting than using just pasta or rice.
Next time, pick up a packet!
So today, a Barley Soup!
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It really makes the flavour bloom.
You will be surprised!
Ingredients in Barley Soup
Heres what goes in this Barley Soup:
1.
Find it in the soup or grain aisle at the grocery store, alongside dried beans usually.
Not to be confused with HULLED barleywhich is tougher and takes longer to cook.
Hulled barley has only had the outer hull removed.
Pearl barley is what we are using today.
Vegetable stock/brothHomemadeis so simple to make, its really worth making your own!
Otherwise, store-bought is still decent and fine to use.
Bay leaves and thyme The herbs.
Fresh will bring better flavour to the soup but dried works too.
!As mentioned above, sauteing the herbs and spices is the trick here which brings out the flavour.
The Veggies
Oops, onion is missing!
If I had better Photoshop skills, Id draw one in.
Onion Putting this first because its missing from the photo!
Just your usual everyday brown or white onion.
Garlic Because rarely do any savoury recipes happen around here without garlic.
Veggie add-ins Ive used carrots, celery, mushrooms and swedes here (rutabagain the US).
For instantly wilt-able greens like baby spinach, just throw them in at the end.
Calledrutabagain the US, they are easy to peel with a standard vegetable peeler.
They bring something a little different to the soup.
Best substitutes for similar texture would be turnips, parsnips, celeriac or potatoes.
This is a neat flavour trick you’re able to adapt for many recipes.
Pearl barley does not soften completely like overcooked pasta.
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It retains a bit of a chew to it which is what makes it so good!
Stir in parsleyjust before serving.
Serve!Hopefully with crusty bread.
(Slathered generously with butter!)
So to store leftovers, it is best to separate the broth.
I use a strainer, though you could just use a slotted spoon to scoop out all the solids.
We dont need to be 100% meticulous here!
But theres no need!
This is a lovely complete meal in one big pot.
Its full of nutritious veggies with enough tasty starch to give you energy and keep you full.
And I just realised, not only is this vegetarian, its vegan too.
More hearty soup recipes
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