Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium-sized onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery rib, diced
- 1 lb (450 grams) mushrooms (a mix of portobello and shiitake)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2-3 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Liquids and Grains
- 1 ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cups (1.2 L) low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup (180 grams) pearled barley, rinsed and drained
Seasonings
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon rosemary
- ½ teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the onion, carrot, and celery rib into small uniform pieces for even cooking. Clean the mushrooms and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until aromatic.
- Add Mushrooms and Tomato Paste: Stir in the chopped mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown slightly, about 8-10 minutes. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add Barley and Broth: Pour in the rinsed pearled barley followed by the low-sodium vegetable broth. Stir everything well to combine.
- Season the Soup: Add thyme, rosemary, smoked sweet paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to incorporate all the seasonings evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 45-50 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check seasoning halfway through.
- Finish and Serve: Once the barley is cooked through and the soup has thickened to your liking, remove it from heat. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Adjust salt and chili flakes if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- Pearled barley is rinsed to remove dust and excess starch, which helps keep the soup clear and less sticky.
- You can substitute cremini or button mushrooms if portobello and shiitake are unavailable.
- For a vegan version, ensure your vegetable broth is free from animal products.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for extra brightness if desired.
- This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian