Print

Vegetable Barley Soup

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Vegetable barley soup is a hearty, healthy, and comforting vegetarian soup loaded with nutritious vegetables and fiber-rich barley. This easy homemade soup is perfect for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and ideal for cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • Rinse the pearl barley under cold water and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened (about 5–7 minutes).
  • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add barley, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, zucchini, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 35–45 minutes until barley is tender.
  • Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Stir in fresh parsley before serving

Notes

Barley absorbs liquid over time—add more broth when reheating.For extra protein, add beans like chickpeas or cannellini.Add leafy greens (spinach or kale) in the last 5 minutes of cooking.A splash of lemon juice enhances flavor before serving.Swap pearl barley with hulled barley for a more whole-grain option (longer cooking time).

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/vegetable-barley-soup/