Dutch Barley Soup Dessert

Indulge in the creamy comfort of Dutch Barley Soup Dessert, a unique fusion of wholesome tradition and rich, velvety sweetness. This classic European treat takes tender, simmered pearl barley and infuses it with the luscious flavors of vanilla bean, cinnamon, and a hint of bright lemon zest. A mixture of milk, heavy cream, and sugar creates a decadent base, while optional plump raisins add a delightful pop of texture. Finished with a sprinkling of nutmeg, this dessert soup is perfect served warm for cozy evenings or chilled for a refreshing twist. Ready in under an hour, this nostalgic dish is the perfect balance of hearty and indulgent, offering a delightful way to explore the versatility of barley in desserts.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 100 grams pearl barley
• 1 liters water
• 500 milliliters milk
• 200 milliliters heavy cream
• 100 grams sugar
• 1 piece vanilla bean
• 1 piece cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 pinch salt
• 50 grams raisins (optional)
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pearl barley thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a large pot, combine the rinsed barley and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Step 3

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer the barley for 25 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess water if needed.

Step 4

While the barley simmers, split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Reserve both the seeds and the pod.

Step 5

In the same pot, add the cooked barley, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla seeds and pod, cinnamon stick, lemon zest, and salt.

Step 6

Stir the mixture gently and heat over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.

Step 7

Lower the heat and cook for 20 more minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The mixture should thicken slightly.

Step 8

If using raisins, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking to plump them up.

Step 9

Remove the pot from heat and discard the vanilla pod and cinnamon stick.

Step 10

Let the dessert soup cool slightly before serving. Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with a pinch of ground nutmeg for garnish.

Step 11

Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1990.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1867.0

Total Fat 79.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 46.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g
Cholesterol 246.4mg	0%
Sodium 465.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 245.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.4g	0%
Total Sugars 156.0g
Protein 28.7g	0%

Vitamin D 226.9IU	0%
Calcium 800.2mg	0%
Iron 3.8mg	0%
Potassium 1510.3mg	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: 39.5%

Protein: 6.3%

Carbs: 54.1%