Mushroom and Barley Soup (Printable)

Earthy, comforting soup with tender mushrooms and chewy pearl barley, perfect for chilly days.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 14 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button recommended)
07 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano

→ Grains & Liquids

09 - 2/3 cup pearl barley, rinsed
10 - 6 cups vegetable broth
11 - 1 bay leaf

→ Seasoning & Garnish

12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
14 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent.
02 - Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Add mushrooms and cook for 6-8 minutes, until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
04 - Sprinkle in thyme and oregano, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.
05 - Add rinsed pearl barley, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir to combine thoroughly.
06 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until barley is tender and soup has thickened slightly.
07 - Remove bay leaf. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The combination of cremini mushrooms and dried herbs creates a deep, savory umami flavor.
  • Pearl barley adds a wonderful texture and makes the soup incredibly filling.
  • It is a one-pot meal that is easy to prepare and budget-friendly.
  • This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be easily adapted for different tastes.
02 -
  • This soup keeps exceptionally well in the fridge and often tastes even better the next day as the barley absorbs the herbal aromas.
  • If the soup becomes too thick after sitting, simply add a splash of water or extra broth when reheating.
  • Experiment with different mushroom varieties like cremini or button to find your preferred flavor profile.
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