Save to Pinterest A comforting, nourishing soup featuring whole grains and fresh vegetables—perfect for a light lunch or cozy meal any day.
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
- Step 1:
- Rinse the grains under cold running water.
- Step 2:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until starting to soften.
- Step 3:
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Step 4:
- Stir in the grains and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Add zucchini, green beans, tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, thyme, and oregano. Bring to a boil.
- Step 6:
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30–35 minutes, or until grains and vegetables are tender.
- Step 7:
- Remove bay leaf. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 8:
- Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread.
Save to Pinterest 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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 180, Total Fat: 5 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 5 g
Save to Pinterest This simple homemade grain and vegetable soup is both nutritious and easy to prepare perfect for any season.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other grains instead of pearl barley?
Yes, grains like brown rice, quinoa, or farro can be substituted to suit dietary preferences or availability.
- → How long should I cook the soup for best texture?
Simmer the mixture covered for 30–35 minutes until the grains and vegetables are tender but still hold their shape.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor of this soup?
Dried thyme and oregano add depth, while fresh parsley brightens the finished dish.
- → Can I customize the vegetables used?
Absolutely, fresh seasonal vegetables like spinach, corn, or peas can be swapped in for variety and freshness.
- → What type of broth is recommended?
A low-sodium vegetable broth keeps flavors balanced and allows the grains and vegetables to shine.