Description
Hearty, wholesome, and nourishing vegetable barley soup that’s a cozy favorite. This recipe is quick, simple, easy to customize, meal-prep friendly, and packed with bold flavors. Perfect for a comforting, nutritious meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ onion, diced
- 5 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Handful cilantro, chopped
Grains & Liquids
- 1 cup barley
- 7 cups vegetable broth
Seasonings
- Red chili flakes to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the chopped celery and sliced carrots, cooking and stirring for 4 minutes to soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue sautéing for 1 more minute to release its aroma and flavor into the vegetables.
- Cook Barley & Vegetables: Add the barley, broccoli florets, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered until the barley is tender, about 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in the chopped cilantro for freshness. Garnish with red chili flakes to taste if desired. Serve the soup hot and enjoy your nourishing meal.
Notes
- Use high-quality bouillon or vegetable broth for a rich, full-bodied flavor to enhance this vegan barley soup.
- For a thinner soup consistency, add extra vegetable broth as needed.
- To deepen the flavor, sauté the vegetables until they are lightly caramelized before adding the broth and grains.
- To avoid the soup thickening too much as it sits, consider cooking and storing the barley separately and adding it when serving.
