When the weather starts to turn chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to cozy up with. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a hearty and delicious Mushroom Barley Soup that is perfect for those crisp fall evenings or cold winter nights. This comforting soup is filled with the earthy flavors of mushrooms, the nuttiness of barley, and a blend of aromatic herbs that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Let’s get cooking!
### Mushroom Barley Soup Recipe
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 8 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lb mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms work well)
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Barley:** Rinse the pearl barley under cold water and drain well. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the barley, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 40-45 minutes or until the barley is tender. Set aside.
2. **Saute the Aromatics:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. **Add Mushrooms and Vegetables:** Stir in the sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened and the mushrooms have released their juices.
4. **Add Broth and Barley:** Pour in the cooked barley along with any remaining vegetable broth. Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. **Adjust Seasonings:** Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more herbs, salt, or pepper to suit your preference.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Ladle the Mushroom Barley Soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.
Warm up your home and delight your taste buds with this savory and wholesome Mushroom Barley Soup. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this hearty soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or experimenting with different herbs to make it your own. Enjoy the comfort and warmth that a bowl of homemade soup can bring to your table. Happy cooking!
