Ah, Barley Lentil Soup—a hearty, nutritious, and comforting soup that combines the protein of lentils with the chewy, nutty texture of barley. Perfect for a filling lunch or dinner. Here’s a detailed recipe:
Barley Lentil Soup
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed
- ½ cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups chopped greens (spinach, kale, or Swiss chard) – optional
- Lemon wedges, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add spices
- Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme. Cook 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Add lentils, barley, and broth
- Stir in lentils, barley, broth, diced tomatoes (if using), and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently.
- Simmer until tender
- Cover partially and simmer 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils and barley are tender.
- Add greens (optional)
- Stir in chopped greens in the last 5–10 minutes of cooking until wilted.
- Season & serve
- Remove bay leaves.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or a drizzle of olive oil, with crusty bread if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Texture: For a thicker soup, puree a portion with an immersion blender.
- Protein boost: Add cooked sausage, ham, or shredded chicken.
- Flavor twist: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or ½ teaspoon cayenne for a smoky kick.
- Make-ahead: Soup keeps 3–4 days in the fridge and freezes well.
I can also give a “slow-cooker version of barley lentil soup” that’s even richer and requires almost no hands-on time, perfect for meal prep.
Do you want me to do that version?
