As the weather starts to cool down, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to cozy up with. And when it comes to hearty, filling soups that are perfect for a chilly evening, few ingredients can rival the humble barley. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or something a little more adventurous, we’ve got you covered with these 18 delicious barley soup recipes.
From creamy mushroom variations to spicy tomato-based soups, and even vegetarian and vegan options, there’s something on this list for everyone. And as an added bonus, many of these recipes are packed with nutritious ingredients like kale, carrots, and chickpeas, making them a great way to warm up your belly and your spirit.
Classic Beef and Barley Soup
This hearty soup is a comforting blend of tender beef, nutty barley, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the beef in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Add broth, barley, and thyme; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until beef is tender and barley is cooked.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Creamy Mushroom Barley Soup
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful soup, perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add barley and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until barley is tender.
4. Stir in heavy cream and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lentil and Barley Vegetable Soup
Warm up with a hearty and nutritious soup that combines the comfort of lentils and barley with a medley of vegetables. This recipe makes for a delicious and filling meal or a great addition to your favorite salad.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup pearled barley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil until tender.
2. Add the lentils, barley, water or broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Smoky Bacon Barley Soup
Rich and comforting, this hearty soup combines the sweetness of barley with the smokiness of bacon and a depth of flavor from vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked bacon, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the vegetable broth, barley, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the barley is tender.
5. Stir in the cooked bacon and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Tomato Barley Soup
This hearty soup combines the sweetness of roasted tomatoes with the warmth of spicy peppers and the nutty flavor of barley, making it a perfect comfort food for any season.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in 1 tbsp olive oil until softened. Add bell pepper and jalapeño; cook until tender.
3. Add roasted tomatoes, barley, broth, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes or until barley is tender.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Herbed Chicken Barley Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of tender chicken, nutty barley, and fresh herbs. Simmering together with aromatic vegetables, it’s a comforting meal for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, mushrooms, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little oil until tender.
2. Add the chicken, barley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the barley is tender.
4. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Vegetarian Barley Minestrone
This hearty, comforting minestrone soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, featuring nutty barley, tender vegetables, and a hint of Italian spices. With its ease of preparation and versatility for serving as a main course or side dish, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 large celery stalk, sliced
– 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine barley, broth, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer an additional 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Turkey Barley Soup with Root Vegetables
This comforting soup combines the rich flavors of turkey, barley, and root vegetables to create a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. A blend of tender vegetables and savory broth makes this recipe a true comfort food classic.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast or thighs
– 2 cups mixed root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, parsnips, turnips)
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the turkey, root vegetables, barley, chicken broth, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Barley and Kale Detox Soup
Revitalize your body with this nutritious soup that combines the fiber-rich benefits of barley with the detoxifying properties of kale. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 bunch curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the barley and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the barley is tender.
5. Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Barley Soup with Chickpeas and Spinach
This hearty barley soup is a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients, with the added nutrition boost from chickpeas and spinach.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pearled barley
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add the garlic, thyme, barley, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until the barley is tender.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cooked chickpeas. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional spinach if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Moroccan-Spiced Barley Soup
Warm up with this aromatic and comforting Moroccan-Spiced Barley Soup, perfect for a chilly day or a cozy evening meal. This hearty soup is infused with the bold flavors of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, making it a delightful twist on traditional barley soups.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic in a little water until softened.
2. Add barley, broth, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until barley is tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Barley and Sausage Stew
This comforting stew is perfect for a cold winter’s day. The combination of tender barley, savory sausage, and rich vegetables creates a warm and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the barley, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the barley is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Barley Soup with Coconut Milk and Lemongrass
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of wholesome barley, zesty lemongrass, and creamy coconut milk. A soothing and flavorful meal for any time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the barley, vegetable broth, and bruised lemongrass. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until the barley is tender.
3. Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Barley and White Bean Soup
This comforting soup combines creamy cannellini beans with nutty barley and aromatic vegetables, perfect for a cozy evening meal. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried white beans (cannellini or navy), soaked overnight and drained
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1/2 cup pearl barley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
2. Add the soaked white beans, vegetable broth, and barley to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until the beans and barley are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Barley Soup with Carrots and Celery
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of creamy barley, sweet carrots, and crunchy celery. It’s an easy and satisfying meal for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine barley, broth, carrots, celery, and onion.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add diced tomatoes and thyme; season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Barley and Pumpkin Soup
This comforting soup is perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening. The combination of nutty barley, sweet pumpkin, and savory spices will become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 small sugar pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
2. Add the barley, water or broth, pumpkin, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the barley is tender.
3. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Barley Soup with Kielbasa and Cabbage
Hearty Barley Soup with Kielbasa and Cabbage Recipe
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of tender barley, savory kielbasa, and crunchy cabbage. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that warms the heart and fills the belly.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups mixed vegetables (cabbage, carrots, celery)
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the kielbasa sausage over medium heat until browned.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add mixed vegetables, barley, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until barley is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Barley and Butternut Squash Soup
Barley and Butternut Squash Soup: A Hearty and Comforting Fall Favorite
This creamy soup is a perfect blend of nutty barley, sweet butternut squash, and aromatic spices. It’s a great way to warm up on a chilly fall day.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 cups pearl barley
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the squash with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little oil until softened. Add the roasted squash, barley, broth, cumin, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the barley is cooked.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If desired, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Summary
Cozy up with these hearty barley soup recipes, perfect for chilly nights. From classic beef and barley to creamy mushroom and smoky bacon, there’s something for every taste. Try lentil and vegetable for a plant-based option or go bold with spicy tomato and Moroccan-spiced soups. Whether you’re in the mood for chicken, sausage, or vegetarian options, these 18 recipes are sure to satisfy. So grab a spoon and get cozy – it’s time to warm up with some delicious barley soup!
