Barley & Potato Soup
Cook Time: 1 hour | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Description: This cherished recipe, passed down from a dear friend, has earned its place as a staple comfort meal during the winter months. Bursting with flavor and endlessly customizable, it’s a hearty option that comes together quickly and boasts a remarkably low fat content. Prepare to fall in love with this soul-warming soup!
Recipe Category: Vegetable | Keywords: Weeknight, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 cups | Chicken broth |
| 1/2 cup | Vegetable broth |
| 1 cup | Barley |
| 1 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 1 tbsp | Unsalted butter |
| 1 | Onion |
| 1 | Celery rib |
| 6 cloves | Garlic |
| 2 tbsp | Parsley |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Red pepper flakes |
| 1 tsp | Dried marjoram |
| 1 tsp | Dried basil |
| 2 sprigs | Fresh rosemary |
| 2 | Carrots |
| 2 | Potatoes |
| – | Parmesan cheese (for garnish) |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Barley: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the barley, stirring to incorporate. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the barley to cook and absorb the flavors of the broth.
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Saute the Aromatics: While the barley simmers, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, celery rib, minced garlic, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, dried marjoram, dried basil, and fresh rosemary leaves to the pan. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes. Ensure they’re tender but not browned.
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Combine and Simmer: Once the barley has cooked for 30 minutes, add the sautéed aromatics mixture to the pot, along with the diced carrots and potatoes. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Allow the soup to simmer gently, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
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Serve: Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, savoring the comforting aroma and rich flavors of this wholesome barley and potato soup.
This recipe yields a nourishing and satisfying meal, perfect for cozy evenings at home or for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your table! 🥣🌿
