Introducing a delightful culinary creation that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds: Green Split Pea & Barley Soup, a wholesome and nourishing dish perfect for any occasion. With a cook time of 2 hours and 30 minutes and a prep time of just 25 minutes, this recipe yields approximately 12 servings, making it ideal for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.
This hearty soup boasts a vibrant array of flavors and textures, combining the earthy richness of split peas and barley with the aromatic essence of carrots, celery, onions, and fresh dill. Infused with the subtle warmth of bay leaf and garlic, this soup is a comforting bowl of goodness that is both satisfying and nutritious.
To prepare this culinary masterpiece, begin by gathering your ingredients: 2 cups of split peas, 3 carrots, 3 stalks of celery, 1 onion, 12 cups of water, 1/2 cup of vegetable broth, 1 cup of pearl barley, 1 bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste, 2 cloves of garlic (optional), 1 tablespoon of canola oil, and a handful of fresh dill. These simple yet wholesome ingredients come together to create a soup that is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.
Start by rinsing the split peas and then combining them in a large soup pot with diced carrots, celery, and onions. Add the water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, stir in the pearl barley, bay leaf, and garlic if desired. Reduce the heat to a simmer and partly cover the pot, allowing the soup to cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
As the soup simmers, its aroma will fill your kitchen, inviting anticipation of the delicious meal to come. After the allotted cooking time, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors to suit your preferences.
While the soup cooks, prepare the finishing touches by sautéing the remaining onions in a nonstick skillet until golden brown and caramelized, adding depth of flavor to the dish. Once the onions are cooked to perfection, add them to the soup along with a generous handful of fresh dill, infusing the soup with bright and herbaceous notes.
Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, then discard the bay leaf before serving. The result is a hearty and satisfying soup that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Not only is this Green Split Pea & Barley Soup incredibly delicious, but it’s also remarkably healthy, with each serving containing just 166.9 calories and a mere 1.3 grams of fat. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a nourishing meal that is both vegan and low in cholesterol, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
This soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet wholesome, as it can be prepared in just under 3 hours and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep and leftovers. Plus, it freezes well, allowing you to conveniently stock your freezer with homemade meals for later enjoyment.
Whether you’re serving it as a starter for a cozy dinner party or enjoying it as a hearty meal on its own, this Green Split Pea & Barley Soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to delight your senses with this wholesome and flavorful soup that is as nourishing as it is delicious.
