Broccoli Corn & Barley Soup Recipe
A delightful blend of vibrant vegetables and wholesome barley, this Broccoli Corn & Barley Soup offers a nourishing, vegetarian option for your dinner table. Perfect for any season, this soup is not only healthy but also quick to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight meal or a comforting weekend lunch. The unique combination of flavors from fresh herbs and vegetables ensures each spoonful is a hearty treat.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Barley (seeds) | 1 cup, soaked for 2-6 hours |
| Broccoli (florets) | 1 cup |
| Green peas (Matar) | 1/4 cup, fresh or frozen |
| Sweet corn | 1/4 cup |
| Green beans (French Beans) | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 1/2 cup, thinly sliced in strips |
| Rocket leaves or spinach leaves | 1 cup |
| Tomatoes | 2, chopped |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Basil leaves | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Thyme leaves | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper powder | To taste |
| Corn flour | 2 teaspoons |
| Water | As required |
| Sour cream | For serving |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-200 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 200-300 mg |
Preparation Instructions
To prepare the Broccoli Corn & Barley Soup, start by thoroughly washing and soaking the pearl barley in 2 cups of water for a period of 2 to 6 hours. This soaking not only softens the barley but also helps in reducing the cooking time. Once soaked, drain the barley and transfer it to a saucepan along with 2 cups of fresh water and a dash of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer, cooking for about 15 minutes until the barley is tender. After cooking, drain any excess water and set the barley aside.
In a separate saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until they turn slightly golden and fragrant. Next, incorporate all the chopped vegetables except for the rocket leaves and tomatoes. This includes the broccoli florets, green peas, sweet corn, green beans, and carrot strips. Stir the mixture and allow it to cook for an additional minute, letting the vegetables soften slightly.
Pour in 4 cups of water and bring the soup base to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to medium and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes. This allows the flavors of the vegetables to meld together beautifully.
After the simmering time, add the drained pearl barley and the rocket leaves into the soup. Stir to combine all the ingredients. To thicken the soup slightly, mix the corn flour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then add it to the pot. Stir well and allow the soup to cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
Finally, remove the soup from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and black pepper as needed.
Serve your Broccoli Corn & Barley Soup warm, garnished with a generous dollop of sour cream for creaminess and richness. This delightful soup pairs perfectly with a Cauliflower Chutney Grilled Sandwich or any sandwich of your choice, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal experience that will warm both your heart and soul.
Tips for Variations
- Add Protein: For a heartier soup, consider adding cooked lentils, chickpeas, or diced chicken.
- Spice It Up: If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Herb Swap: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro to elevate the flavor profile.
- Seasonal Veggies: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers based on what’s available.
Enjoy crafting this delicious Broccoli Corn & Barley Soup, which showcases the beauty of wholesome ingredients and offers a comforting taste of home in every bowl!
