Barley soup has been a beloved comfort food for centuries, offering a rich, hearty taste that warms you from the inside out. Often considered a ’peasant’ food in various cultures, it has an extensive history as a nutritious and filling dish that could feed a family for days. This Old Fashioned Barley Soup recipe takes you back to simpler times, where every ingredient serves a purpose, and the meal is prepared with patience and care.
The beauty of barley soup lies in its versatility and the fact that it allows you to experiment with different flavors, textures, and ingredients. Whether you’re making it on a cold winter night or preparing a wholesome, satisfying meal for a gathering, this soup is bound to deliver a sense of comfort and tradition. The best part? It’s a dish that only gets better over time, so leftovers are a bonus!
Old Fashioned Barley Soup Recipe
This is a classic, hearty recipe that combines the nutty texture of barley with the richness of vegetables, herbs, and savory broth. It’s a timeless dish that’s perfect for those looking to enjoy something wholesome and filling without too much fuss.
Ingredients Needed
- Barley: 1 cup of pearl barley, the star ingredient, giving the soup a chewy, nutty texture. It also helps thicken the broth, making the soup nice and hearty.
- Vegetables: A medley of onions, carrots, and celery. These are the aromatic base of the soup, giving it a robust flavor profile.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic brings a subtle depth to the soup, adding an earthy undertone.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons. It provides a touch of tanginess and richness to balance the broth.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth: 4-6 cups. You can use homemade or store-bought. This is the foundation of your soup and should be flavorful to ensure the soup is rich.
- Herbs: 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, 1 bay leaf. These herbs infuse the soup with warmth and aroma.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. These two seasonings are the simplest way to elevate the flavors in the soup.
- Optional Protein: Add cooked chicken, beef, or even ham for some extra protein. This is a great way to make it more filling.
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare The Barley
- Rinse the barley thoroughly under cold water. This helps remove any dirt or impurities. While barley doesn’t need to be soaked, rinsing it before cooking makes it cook faster and helps it absorb the broth better.
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Saute The Vegetables
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Once melted, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add Tomato Paste And Seasonings
- Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to deepen in color and flavor. Add the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
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Add Broth And Barley
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Stir in the rinsed barley and let it cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Keep an eye on the texture of the barley, as it should be tender but still slightly chewy.
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Final Touches
- Once the barley is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you’re adding cooked meat, stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan on top can add a nice finishing touch.
Ingredient Insights
- Barley: This whole grain is not only great for adding texture but is also packed with dietary fiber, which helps promote digestive health. Barley is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food, full of essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.
- Vegetables: The trio of onions, carrots, and celery forms the foundation of many classic soups, known as the ’holy trinity’ in French cuisine. These vegetables add natural sweetness and depth to the broth, providing a base for the rest of the flavors to meld together.
- Tomato Paste: While often overlooked, tomato paste contributes a lot of umami and a rich, slightly tangy flavor. It enhances the savory profile of the soup, balancing the sweetness of the vegetables.
- Herbs: Thyme and bay leaves are traditional flavorings that impart a subtle earthiness and warmth. Thyme is particularly great for soups, as it infuses the broth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Expert Tips
- Pre-cooking the Barley: If you want the barley to cook even faster, consider cooking it separately in a small pot and then adding it to the soup. This can shave off some time if you’re in a rush.
- Flavor Boost: To add a bit more depth to the soup, consider using homemade broth instead of store-bought. Homemade broth is packed with richer flavors and adds a more complex taste to your soup.
- Make It Creamy: If you want a creamier soup, you can blend part of the soup after it has finished cooking. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree a portion of the soup, then stir it back in for a velvety texture.
- Add Protein: Barley soup is delicious on its own, but adding protein like shredded chicken or diced beef can make it a more complete meal. If you’re adding cooked meat, make sure to stir it in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to keep it tender.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan/Vegetarian Version: Simply omit any meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can boost the protein content with chickpeas, lentils, or other plant-based proteins.
- Spicy Barley Soup: Add a touch of heat by incorporating red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or even a diced jalapeño. The heat will complement the earthy flavors of the barley beautifully.
- Mushroom Barley Soup: Mushrooms add a savory, umami flavor that pairs wonderfully with the barley. Simply sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic, and you’ll have a richer, more complex soup.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil. These can give the soup a slightly different character, depending on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.
Final Words
Barley soup is one of those dishes that feels like home. It’s incredibly adaptable, packed with nutrients, and, most importantly, offers that comforting warmth that makes it perfect for any season. The balance of textures, from the chewy barley to the tender vegetables, alongside the savory broth, makes this soup a memorable meal. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or experiment with a few variations, this hearty soup will never disappoint.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For An Old Fashioned Barley Soup Recipe?
The basic ingredients for an old fashioned barley soup recipe include pearl barley, beef or chicken broth, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Some variations may include potatoes, parsnips, or other vegetables.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Old Fashioned Barley Soup?
Old fashioned barley soup typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to cook. The barley needs about an hour of simmering to become tender, and the soup benefits from a longer cooking time to develop deep flavors.
Can I Use Instant Barley Instead Of Pearl Barley In The Soup?
You can use instant barley, but it cooks much faster than pearl barley and may not provide the same texture. If using instant barley, reduce the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Can I Make Old Fashioned Barley Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make barley soup in a slow cooker. Simply combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the barley is tender.
Is It Possible To Make A Vegetarian Version Of Old Fashioned Barley Soup?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of old fashioned barley soup by using vegetable broth instead of meat broth and omitting any meat. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or kale for added flavor.
Can I Freeze Old Fashioned Barley Soup?
Yes, old fashioned barley soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, the barley may become softer, but the soup will still taste great.
What Is The Best Type Of Broth For Barley Soup?
The best broth for barley soup is typically a rich beef or chicken broth, which enhances the soup’s flavor. However, vegetable broth can also be used if you prefer a vegetarian version.
Can I Add Meat To My Old Fashioned Barley Soup?
Yes, meat such as diced beef, pork, or turkey can be added to the soup. Ground meat or leftover roast meat are also good options. Adding meat will make the soup heartier and more filling.
How Can I Thicken My Old Fashioned Barley Soup?
Barley naturally thickens the soup as it cooks, but if you want a thicker consistency, you can purée a portion of the soup and then return it to the pot. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of cornstarch or flour mixed with water to thicken the broth.
How Do I Know When The Barley Is Done Cooking?
The barley is done when it becomes tender but still has a slight chew. If it’s cooked properly, it should not be mushy. Taste a few grains to check the texture before finishing the soup.