Dairy-Free Gerstensuppe (Swiss Barley Soup)

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Dairy-Free Gerstensuppe, a classic Swiss barley soup reimagined for plant-based diets. This hearty recipe features tender pearl barley simmered with a medley of fresh vegetables, including carrots, celery, and potato, in a seasoned vegetable broth infused with thyme and bay leaf. The addition of garlic and onion provides a rich aroma, while a final sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and flavor. Perfect for chilly days, this wholesome soup is entirely dairy-free, making it a nourishing and inclusive option for everyone at the table. Ready in just over an hour, this Swiss-inspired dish is an excellent choice for meal prepping or serving as a cozy family dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 200 grams pearl barley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 liters vegetable broth
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pearl barley under cold water and set aside.

Step 2

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and potato. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Step 7

Add the rinsed barley to the pot along with the bay leaf and dried thyme.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 50 minutes, or until the barley and vegetables are tender.

Step 9

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard.

Step 11

Serve hot in bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2264.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1807.5

Total Fat 44.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6107.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 313.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 59.9g	0%
Total Sugars 37.2g
Protein 52.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 435.8mg	0%
Iron 15.7mg	0%
Potassium 5012.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.4%

Protein: 11.4%

Carbs: 67.3%