Vegetable Soup with Barley (or Farro)
Enjoy this cozy, hearty vegetable soup with barley (or farro) full of fresh veggies and flavor. Perfect for a healthy, filling meal!
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 173kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion small, diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
- 1 zucchini diced
- 1 cup barley or farro, rinsed if necessary
- 1 cup tomato sauce in a jar
- 5 cups water
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 2 cups spinach fresh
- ½ lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and sauté for about 3 minutes or until they soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the bell pepper and zucchini. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add the farro or barley, tomato sauce, water, thyme, oregano, cumin (if using), and salt. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the farro or barley is tender and the flavors have melded.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts. Add a lemon juice of ½ lemon for brightness if desired.
- Taste and adjust salt as needed. Ladle into bowls and enjoy your warming, nutritious vegetable soup!
- A quick tip: To thicken your soup, blend a portion with an immersion or regular blender, then stir it back into the pot. This creates a creamy texture without needing any dairy!
Video
Notes
- These is the nutrition facts for 1 serving of this recipe. Total servings for this recipe: 4-6 people.
- Refer to the post above for video instructions and other useful information.
- Nutrition information is an estimate and will depend on your specific ingredients.
Both grains should be tender but still have a slight chewiness. Taste a small spoonful to check for doneness. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better as the flavors meld together the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it on the stove over low heat when ready to serve. What vegetables can I add to the soup?
Feel free to get creative! Depending on your preference, you can add any vegetables you like, such as white potatoes, sweet potato, green beans, or peas.
Nutrition
Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 429mg | Potassium: 563mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 5236IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2mg
