Description
A hearty one-pot vegetable barley soup featuring mushrooms, chickpeas, and leafy greens in a tomato-herb broth seasoned with smoked paprika, finished with lemon and parsley. This dairy-free, vegan barley soup is economical, budget-friendly, and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups kale or fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 5–7 minutes, until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Add the rinsed barley, diced tomatoes with their juices, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, bay leaves, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 35–40 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
- Stir in the chickpeas and spinach or kale. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes, until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Discard the bay leaves.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully. Leave out greens until reheating for best color. Barley absorbs liquid; add broth or water when reheating.
- For a gluten-free alternative, swap pearl barley for brown rice or quinoa, adjusting cooking time. Ensure vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.
- Add extra flavor with homemade vegetable broth, miso paste, or nutritional yeast.
- Serve with crusty bread, a grilled vegan cheese sandwich, or a side salad.
- Toppings like vegan pesto, cashew cream, or chili oil can be added before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 234 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1145 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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