Broccoli Barley Soup
A hearty and nutritious broccoli barley soup packed with savory flavors, perfect for vegetarians and comforting meals with fresh green broccoli and a cheesy touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 5-quart saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Cook until soft.
- Add dried rosemary, vegetable stock, and pearl barley. Bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer until barley is tender, about 45 minutes.
- Remove broccoli flowerets and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Peel broccoli stems and slice thinly.
- When barley is tender, increase heat and add broccoli to the soup. Cover and cook until broccoli is tender and bright green, about 10 minutes.
- Stir together cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture and milk to the soup. Stir until the soup boils and thickens.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve each portion lightly sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. If you don't have pearl barley, you can substitute with farro or quinoa, adjusting cooking times accordingly. Fresh garlic can be replaced with garlic powder in a pinch. This soup can also be made vegan by using plant-based milk and omitting the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For a fun dessert, consider following up with Pineapple Lime Jell-O to balance the flavors. This soup is perfect for cozy nights or as a nutritious lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable stock if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; just ensure it cools down before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Barley Soup contains roughly 694 calories, with 15g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value) and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2028mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used as a convenient substitute. Just add it to the soup during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking, ensuring it heats through without overcooking.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce when you add the broccoli. You can also serve with a side of spicy Mammaw'S Onion Rings for an extra kick.
Is there a gluten-free version of this soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute pearl barley with gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice, and ensure your vegetable stock is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and hearty gluten-free soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).