Lentil And Barley Soup
A hearty, comforting lentil and barley soup with tender vegetables and chicken, perfect for cozy meals and nutritious family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over moderate heat, melt butter.
- Add chopped onion and celery; cook until onion is lightly browned.
- Stir in chicken bouillon, rinsed lentils, barley, chopped carrots, salt, pepper, and canned chicken.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until beans are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, add chopped potatoes or spinach. If you're out of barley, quinoa can be a great substitute. Adjust the salt according to your taste and dietary needs. For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like cumin or thyme. This lentil and barley soup is quite versatile and can be served with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting lentil and barley soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top. It pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken New Orleans or any of your favorite chicken recipes for added protein.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; just ensure it cools completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lentil And Barley Soup contains roughly 1385 calories, with 23g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (115% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), and protein (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2186mg per serving (95% 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 make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon and omit the canned chicken. You can add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender and then stir it back in. Alternatively, adding more lentils or barley during cooking can help achieve a thicker texture.
What can I serve with this soup?
This lentil and barley soup is delicious on its own, but you can enhance your meal by serving it with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with a chicken dish like 2 Layer Chicken Pie.
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).