Split Pea And Barley Soup
Hearty split pea and barley soup offers comforting flavors with tender vegetables and wholesome grains, perfect for a nourishing meal on chilly days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in a 3 or 4-quart pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 1 hour until peas begin to fall apart when stirred and barley and vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or a handful of kale towards the end of cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also use green peas instead of split peas for a slightly different flavor. Make sure to rinse the split peas and barley thoroughly before adding them to the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Coxinhas - Chicken Croquettes(Brazilian Finger Food) for a delightful contrast in textures. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra touch of flavor. A sprinkle of lemon juice can also brighten the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. This soup also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Split Pea And Barley Soup contains roughly 624 calories, with 22g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (122% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (111% of the Daily Value), and iron (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 31g 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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in a rich, hearty soup.
What can I substitute for barley?
If you don't have barley on hand, quinoa or farro can make excellent substitutes. They will provide a similar texture and heartiness to the soup. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly for the best results.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Absolutely! Adding diced ham or cooked chicken can enhance the flavor and make the soup even more filling. If you go this route, consider adding the meat during the last 20 minutes of cooking to warm it through without overcooking.
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).