Cream Of Barley Soup
A hearty, comforting cream of barley soup with smoky ham, savory vegetables, and creamy potatoes, perfect for cozy family dinners or chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine pearl barley, chopped onion, chopped celery, smoked ham hock, water, chicken bouillon cubes, bay leaf, and thyme in a crock-pot.
- Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
- Remove the ham hock and bay leaf; discard.
- Add instant mashed potatoes to the soup.
- Mix milk slowly into flour and add to the soup (or omit milk and flour and add 1/2 cup cream).
- Cook on high for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker consistency, consider adding more instant mashed potatoes or using a hand blender to puree part of the soup. If you're out of pearl barley, you can substitute it with quinoa or farro for a different texture. Adjust the seasonings to taste; adding a bit of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor from the ham hock. This soup pairs beautifully with Cajun Chicken Breasts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cream of barley soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad complements it well. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with Chicken recipes like Mama's Pot Pie Casserole for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore consistency, and heat over medium-low on the stovetop to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Of Barley Soup contains roughly 852 calories, with 25g protein, 180g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (204% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (141% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 26g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, omit the smoked ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can enhance the flavor with smoked paprika and additional vegetables like carrots or mushrooms.
How do I adjust the cooking time for a stovetop version?
If cooking on the stovetop, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. The soup should be ready in about 1-1.5 hours, but check the barley for doneness and adjust cooking time as needed.
Can I freeze the cream of barley soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or microwave.
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).