Save to Pinterest A comforting, nourishing soup featuring whole grains and fresh vegetables&—perfect for a light lunch or cozy meal any day.
This simple homemade soup has become a weeknight favorite for my family because it is easy to prepare and very satisfying.
Ingredients
- Grains: 1/2 cup (90 g) pearl barley (or brown rice, quinoa, or farro)
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, diced, 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced, 2 celery stalks, sliced, 1 medium zucchini, diced, 1 cup (150 g) green beans, trimmed and chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 large tomato, diced)
- Broth & Seasonings: 6 cups (1.5 L) low-sodium vegetable broth, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Rinse the grains under cold running water.
- Step 2:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until starting to soften.
- Step 3:
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Step 4:
- Stir in the grains and toast for 1 2 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Add zucchini, green beans, tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, thyme, and oregano. Bring to a boil.
- Step 6:
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 35 minutes, or until grains and vegetables are tender.
- Step 7:
- Remove bay leaf. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 8:
- Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this soup with my family always brings us closer, especially on chilly evenings when everyone appreciates the warmth it offers.
Required Tools
Large soup pot, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains gluten if using barley or farro. For gluten-free, use rice or quinoa. No common allergens otherwise, but always check broth labels for hidden ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 180, Total Fat: 5 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 5 g (per serving)
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This soup is a simple yet versatile dish that you can customize to your liking for any season.