This Mushroom and Barley Soup is a perfect blend of earthy, rich flavors from the dried mushrooms and the wholesome texture of barley. The vegetables add vibrant color, while the herbs lend a fragrant aroma that complements the hearty broth.
This soup is a simple yet comforting meal that’s also nourishing. The barley makes it filling, while the mushrooms provide a savory depth of flavor. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding more vegetables or a dash of soy sauce for an extra umami boost. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a meal prep for the week, or when you need something cozy on a cold day.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 ounce dried mushrooms (shiitake or porcini)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 large onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 medium carrots, chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 cup barley, rinsed
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1 bay leaf
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6 cups vegetable broth
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2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
Directions:
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In a large bowl, cover the dried mushrooms with 1 cup of hot water and let them soak for about 20 minutes. Once soft, drain and chop the mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid.
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Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
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Add the carrots, celery, and chopped mushrooms to the pot, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Stir in the barley, bay leaf, vegetable broth, thyme, and the reserved mushroom soaking liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 45 minutes or until the barley is tender.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra umami flavor, add soy sauce if desired.
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Remove from heat, discard the bay leaf, and serve the soup hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Healthy Dried Mushroom and Barley Soup: A Wholesome Comforting Dish for All Seasons
When the weather turns cooler, and the days become shorter, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup to soothe both the body and soul. The Healthy Dried Mushroom and Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a satisfying, nourishing, and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with earthy flavors and filled with nutritious ingredients, this soup is an excellent addition to your recipe collection.
The Versatility of Barley and Mushrooms
Barley and mushrooms are two ingredients that complement each other wonderfully. Barley is an ancient grain that has been a staple in various cultures around the world. Known for its rich, nutty flavor and chewy texture, barley brings a substantial, wholesome element to any soup. Not only does it add heartiness, but it is also a great source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer.
Mushrooms, particularly dried ones, bring a deep, earthy flavor that elevates the taste profile of the soup. Dried mushrooms, such as shiitake or porcini, have a concentrated, umami-rich taste that infuses the broth, adding a savory depth that fresh mushrooms simply can’t replicate. Dried mushrooms are also incredibly versatile, as they can be rehydrated and incorporated into a variety of dishes, making them an excellent pantry staple.
Why This Soup is Perfect for a Healthy Lifestyle
One of the standout features of this Healthy Dried Mushroom and Barley Soup is its balance of flavors and nutritional benefits. The recipe is a perfect example of how to create a delicious and nourishing meal without compromising on taste. The barley provides slow-digesting carbohydrates, which help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you energized throughout the day. The dried mushrooms, on the other hand, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this soup not only flavorful but also packed with health benefits.
Furthermore, this soup is an excellent choice for people following plant-based or vegetarian diets. It’s completely meat-free, making it suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing flavor. The addition of vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion boosts the soup’s fiber content, while the thyme and bay leaf lend a fresh herbal note, creating a well-rounded dish.
This soup also serves as an ideal meal prep option. Whether you’re preparing a large batch for the week or making it for a family dinner, the soup can easily be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for future use. The flavors intensify as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
Nutritional Benefits
In addition to being a comforting and filling dish, this Dried Mushroom and Barley Soup is packed with nutrients that contribute to your overall health. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of the key ingredients:
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Barley: Barley is an excellent source of fiber, particularly soluble fiber, which helps regulate cholesterol levels and promotes heart health. It also contains a variety of B vitamins, including niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin, which help support energy production and brain function. Barley is also rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radical damage and support the immune system.
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Dried Mushrooms: Mushrooms are a nutritional powerhouse, offering significant amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Dried mushrooms, especially shiitake, are high in vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune function. They also contain beta-glucans, a type of fiber that has been shown to help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
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Vegetables: The carrots, celery, and onion provide additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals that promote overall health. Carrots, for example, are rich in vitamin A, which supports eye health, while celery is a great source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
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Herbs and Spices: Fresh thyme and bay leaves add a burst of flavor without adding extra calories. Thyme is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, while bay leaves have been traditionally used to aid digestion and reduce stress.
The Cooking Process: A Therapeutic Experience
Cooking this Dried Mushroom and Barley Soup is a rewarding experience that allows you to slow down and enjoy the process. The first step of soaking the dried mushrooms is particularly enjoyable as it fills the kitchen with a wonderful aroma. As the mushrooms rehydrate, they release their intense flavor into the water, which becomes an integral part of the soup’s base. This soaking liquid is not something you want to discard – it’s full of rich umami, and it adds depth to the broth.
The next step involves sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil, creating a savory foundation for the soup. The fragrance that fills the kitchen is simply irresistible. Once the vegetables are softened, the mushrooms and barley are added, followed by the broth and herbs. As the soup simmers, the barley absorbs the liquid, expanding and becoming tender, while the mushrooms infuse the broth with their earthy flavor.
The beauty of this soup is in its simplicity. There’s no need for fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. With just a few basic steps, you’ll have a bowl of wholesome soup that’s perfect for nourishing your body and lifting your spirits.
Customization and Variations
While the Healthy Dried Mushroom and Barley Soup is delicious as is, it’s also highly customizable. If you prefer a heartier version, you can add more vegetables such as potatoes, parsnips, or leeks. For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or tamari, which will bring a salty, umami punch to the soup. You could also swap the vegetable broth for a mushroom broth for an even more intense mushroom flavor.
For those who enjoy a spicier kick, a dash of chili flakes or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper can be added to the soup while it simmers. If you’d like to add protein, consider tossing in some cooked lentils, chickpeas, or beans for a boost of plant-based protein.
This soup is also very adaptable when it comes to portion sizes. If you’re cooking for a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed everyone. Similarly, if you’re preparing the soup for a single meal, it can be halved with no issue. Leftovers store beautifully, and the soup tends to improve in flavor the longer it sits, making it a perfect meal prep option for the week ahead.
Conclusion:
The Healthy Dried Mushroom and Barley Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly nourishing. Whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly evening or looking to prepare a nutritious, plant-based meal, this soup is the perfect solution. With its combination of hearty barley, earthy mushrooms, and fragrant herbs, this soup is both satisfying and full of depth. The nutritional benefits, ease of preparation, and adaptability make it a dish you’ll turn to again and again.
Not only does this soup warm your body, but it also feeds your soul. It’s a beautiful way to slow down, enjoy the simple pleasures of cooking, and indulge in a healthy, flavorful meal that the whole family will love. So next time you’re in need of a cozy dish that’s as good for your health as it is for your taste buds, reach for a bowl of Healthy Dried Mushroom and Barley Soup.
This soup is more than just comfort food – it’s an essential part of any healthy and balanced diet, offering warmth, nourishment, and the perfect balance of flavor.