Save A comforting, nourishing soup featuring whole grains and fresh vegetables—perfect for a light lunch or cozy meal any day.
I have always enjoyed this soup on chilly days because it warms you up without feeling heavy.
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
- Rinse grains:
- Rinse the grains under cold running water.
- Sauté aromatics:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until starting to soften.
- Cook garlic:
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Toast grains:
- Stir in the grains and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Add vegetables and broth:
- Add zucchini, green beans, tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, thyme, and oregano. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer soup:
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30–35 minutes, or until grains and vegetables are tender.
- Finish soup:
- Remove bay leaf. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread.
Pin it This soup always brings my family together for a warm meal and great conversation on cool evenings.
Notes
For a heartier meal add cooked beans or shredded rotisserie chicken if not vegetarian. Pairs well with a light Sauvignon Blanc or herbal tea.
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.
Pin it This simple soup is a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors for any day of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What grains can be used in the soup?
Pearl barley is traditional, but brown rice, quinoa, or farro can be substituted based on preference or dietary needs.
- → Can I use other vegetables in this dish?
Yes, seasonal vegetables like spinach, corn, or peas can be added or swapped to vary flavors and textures.
- → How long should the soup simmer?
Simmer the soup covered for about 30 to 35 minutes until the grains and vegetables are tender.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Replace barley or farro with gluten-free grains such as quinoa or rice to accommodate gluten-free needs.
- → What herbs are used to flavor the broth?
The soup includes bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried oregano to enhance the savory profile.