Italian Barley Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) barley 1 cup (200g) barley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups (1.4L) vegetable broth 6 cups (1.4L) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 47g, 7g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 9g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the barley under cold water and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper.
5. 5.
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and add the rinsed barley.
6. 6.
   Simmer the soup for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the barley is tender and cooked through.
7. 7.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Italian Barley Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Barley — Rinse the barley thoroughly before using to remove any impurities. This will ensure a cleaner and tastier soup.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before serving.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Serve the soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Serving advice

Italian Barley Soup is best served hot as a main course. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the soup with a sprig of fresh parsley and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper to add a pop of color and enhance the visual appeal.