Italian Lentil and Barley Soup ๐ฒ
Overview:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 13 hours
Total Time: 13 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories per Serving: 62
Description:
This Italian Lentil and Barley Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish, perfect for chilly winter evenings or busy weekdays. It’s a hearty vegetarian option, packed with wholesome ingredients like lentils, barley, and vegetables. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal meal to set up in the crock pot before heading out for the day. Serve it alongside some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out. ๐ฅโ๏ธ
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils
- 1/3 cup pearl barley
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 quart vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 14 1/4 ounces stewed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
Instructions:
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Prepare Lentils: Start by sorting through the lentils to remove any debris or shriveled beans, then give them a good rinse under cold water to clean them thoroughly.
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Combine Ingredients: In a crock pot, add the cleaned lentils, pearl barley, diced carrots, celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a bay leaf.
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Add Liquids: Pour in the vegetable broth and water, then add the stewed tomatoes and crushed tomatoes.
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Cooking Time: Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 12 to 14 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld together perfectly. Alternatively, you can cook it on high heat for 5 to 6 hours if you’re short on time.
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Final Touch: Once the cooking time is up, discard the bay leaf. Just before serving, stir in the freshly chopped parsley and cider vinegar. The vinegar adds a delightful tanginess to the soup, enhancing its overall flavor profile. (Note: Omitting the vinegar may result in a slightly less flavorful soup.)
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve it piping hot alongside some crusty bread for a complete meal. The combination of tender lentils, chewy barley, and savory vegetables creates a wholesome and satisfying dish that’s sure to warm you up on even the coldest of days.
Tips and Tricks:
- Lentils cook relatively quickly compared to dried beans and don’t require soaking beforehand. However, it’s essential to use fresh lentils for the best results.
- When purchasing lentils, opt for a store with a high turnover to ensure freshness.
- Avoid adding additional salt to the soup while cooking, as this can toughen the lentils.
- It’s best not to add lentils to already boiling water, as this can also affect their texture. Instead, add them to cold or lukewarm water and bring them to a gentle simmer.
This Italian Lentil and Barley Soup is not only delicious and nutritious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs, spices, or additional vegetables to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty lunch, a comforting dinner, or even as leftovers the next day, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. ๐ฅฃโจ
