Here's the comforting classic, mushroom-barley soup. It's nothing fancy, but always so satisfying. Change it up by using different kinds of mushrooms. I like to use a combination of baby bella (aka cremini) and shiitakes.
Serves: 6 to 8
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 32-ounce carton low-sodium vegetable broth plus 2 cups water
or 6 cups water plus 2 vegetable bouillon cubes - 2 large celery stalks, diced
- 3 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 cup raw pearl barley
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning blend (such as Frontier or Mrs. Dash)
- 10 to 12 ounces mushrooms, any variety, sliced (see note)
- 2 cups unsweetened rice milk or other neutral nondairy milk,
more or less as needed - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- ¼ cup minced fresh parsley, or more, to taste
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill, or more, to taste
Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the onion and sauté over medium heat until golden.
Add the broth and water (or water with bouillon cubes), followed by the celery, carrot, barley, bay leaves, and seasoning blend. Bring to a slow boil, then cover and simmer gently for 30 minutes.
Add the mushrooms and 1 cup water. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes longer, or until the barley and vegetables are tender.
Stir in enough rice milk to give the soup a slightly dense consistency. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the parsley and dill.
Allow the soup to stand for 30 minutes or longer off the heat before serving. The soup thickens very quickly, so just before serving, thin as need with more water, then add more salt and pepper as needed and heat through. Do the same with refrigerated leftovers.
Note: Use any of white, baby bella, cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms, or a combination.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving: 169.5 calories; 3.4g fat; 108.9mg sodium; 327.1mg potassium; 30.4g carbs; 6.9g fiber; 2.1g sugar; 4.8g protein
- Explore other recipes for hearty winter soups.
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vanessa catapang says
Great recipes Thanks a lot ,,,excited hoping for more healthy and yummy Recipes from you, keep it up guys 🙂
Nava says
Thanks, Vanessa — you can expect healthy and yummy recipes from us every day, especially if you've joined our Facebook page!
lydia mendez says
muy deliciosa sopa,!! I just ated before,today i got the rrecipe,thankyou so much fo share with us
Betty Knight says
Wonderful recipe. I made this yesterday and it was terrific.
Nava says
Thank you, Lydia and Betty!
Sunitha says
Have loved all your other recipes. Can't wait to try this one!
Nava says
Thanks, Sunitha. Hope you will enjoy it!
Trisha Schnatterly says
GREAT recipe! Made enough to freeze for another meal few meals.
Nava says
Thanks, Trisha. I've never tried freezing it but I think it's the kind of soup that would freeze well. Enjoy!
Maida Aviad says
Made this yesterday. Had all ingedients except barley so used French lentils instead and Almond milk. Also added a little tumeric and cumin and a few hot pepper flakes. Absolutely wonderful!
Nava says
Maida, sorry for the delayed response — so glad you enjoyed this!
Holly says
I made this soup a few weeks ago and my husband loved it. I made it again for Rosh Hashana dinner and did not tell anyone it was Vegan! Everyone loved it and asked for the recipe. I can't wait to try another one of your recipes. Thanks so much for making me look good. The soup was absolutely delicious.