Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup
Cozy Up with a Bowl of Hearty Vegetable Soup
As the days get shorter and the evenings cooler, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup. And our Hearty Vegetable Soup is exactly what you need! Packed with nutritious vegetables, wholesome barley, and flavorful herbs, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a lazy weekend lunch, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
This isn’t just any vegetable soup. We’ve carefully balanced the flavors to create a soup that’s both satisfying and healthy. The sweetness of the sweet potato complements the earthy carrots and celery, while the barley adds a lovely chewy texture. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned pros!
Why You’ll Love This Soup:
- Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with vitamins and minerals from a variety of vegetables.
- Hearty & Filling: The barley makes this soup substantial enough to be a complete meal.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.
- Vegetarian & Delicious: A satisfying meal for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Tips for the Best Soup:
- Don’t skimp on the sautéing: Taking the time to properly sauté the sweet potato, onion, and garlic builds a flavorful base for the soup.
- Adjust the broth: If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth. For a thinner soup, add more.
- Fresh herbs are best: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh basil and thyme will elevate the flavor of the soup.
- Let it simmer: The longer the soup simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different grain instead of barley?
A: Absolutely! Quinoa, farro, or brown rice would all be delicious substitutes.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: What kind of bread pairs well with this soup?
A: A crusty sourdough or a hearty whole-wheat bread is the perfect accompaniment.
Q: Can I add meat to this soup?
A: Certainly! Diced chicken, sausage, or ham would all be tasty additions. Add it when you add the barley.
Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort! This Hearty Vegetable Soup is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Hearty Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 sweet potato diced sweet potato
- 1 small diced onion
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 3 peeled and diced carrots
- 3 stalks diced celery
- 1 cup cut green beans
- 1/3 cup barley
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/2 tsp basil
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sweet potato and saute for 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and onion and saute for an additional 3 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer and let cook for 45 minutes to one hour, until the barley is soft and ready to eat.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with a hearty bread.
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