Easy Delicious Vegetable Barley Soup Recipe in 20 Minutes

If you're looking for a quick and tasty meal, you've hit the jackpot with this Easy Delicious Vegetable Barley Soup Recipe! Just the other day, my son Jake came home from school, and the first thing he said was, 'What’s for dinner, Mom?' I smiled and said, 'How about some healthy vegetable barley soup?' He was skeptical at first, but one spoonful and he was hooked! This vegetable barley soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it one of my favorite veg soup recipes.

Why You’ll Love It

  • It’s ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Packed with healthy veggies and hearty barley, it’s a nutritious meal.
  • You can easily customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
  • It’s a great way to warm up on chilly days!

Pure Comfort

There’s something special about a warm bowl of soup that just feels like a hug in a bowl. This vegetable barley soup brings back memories of family dinners where we would gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, making it perfect for any day of the week.

What You Need

  • 1 1 tablespoon olive oil – Can substitute with vegetable oil.
  • 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Shallots work too.
  • 2 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
  • 2 2 medium carrots, diced – Use parsnips for a sweeter flavor.
  • 2 2 celery stalks, diced – You can skip this if you’re not a fan.
  • 1 1 bell pepper, diced – Any color works well.
  • 1 1 cup frozen peas – Fresh peas are great if you have them.
  • 1 1 cup barley – Quick-cooking barley can save time.
  • 6 6 cups vegetable broth – Chicken broth works too.
  • 1 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Oregano can be a nice alternative.
  • to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust according to preference.

Time to Cook

Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Total: 20 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, it keeps well in the fridge.

Steps to Make It

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers slightly.
  2. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil. The steam rising will be inviting!
  5. Add the barley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
  6. Finally, toss in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes. They’ll brighten up the soup beautifully!
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You want it to be just right!
  8. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting warmth of this homemade soup recipe.

Make It Perfect

  • Chop your veggies ahead of time to save even more time.
  • Feel free to add any leftover cooked meat for extra protein.
  • If you want a creamier soup, blend a portion of it and mix it back in.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch.

Mix It Up

  • Add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty twist.
  • Incorporate different grains like quinoa for a unique texture.
  • Spice it up with some red pepper flakes for a kick!

Perfect Partners

  • Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
  • Pair with a fresh garden salad.
  • Enjoy alongside a grilled cheese sandwich.

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FAQs

Can I store leftovers?

Yes, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the soup?

Absolutely! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for barley?

Try using quinoa or brown rice for a different grain.

Is this soup gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free grains, yes!

Can I add more veggies?

Definitely! Use whatever you have on hand.

Conclusion

This Easy Delicious Vegetable Barley Soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace after a long day. With its healthy ingredients and quick prep time, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. So, gather your family, serve up a bowl, and enjoy the comforting flavors together. Give this vegetable barley soup a try, and you won’t be disappointed!

Bowl of colorful vegetable barley soup

Easy Delicious Vegetable Barley Soup

This quick and tasty vegetable barley soup is packed with healthy veggies and hearty barley, making it a nutritious meal the whole family will love.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Can substitute with vegetable oil.
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced Shallots work too.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
  • 2 medium carrots, diced Use parsnips for a sweeter flavor.
  • 2 stalks celery, diced You can skip this if you’re not a fan.
  • 1 bell pepper diced Any color works well.
  • 1 cup frozen peas Fresh peas are great if you have them.
  • 1 cup barley Quick-cooking barley can save time.
  • 6 cups vegetable broth Chicken broth works too.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme Oregano can be a nice alternative.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers slightly.
  2. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
  5. Add the barley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
  6. Finally, toss in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting warmth of this homemade soup recipe.