Michigan Dutch Barley Soup Gerstenbrij

Warm up with a bowl of hearty and comforting Michigan Dutch Barley Soup, also known as Gerstenbrij—a treasured recipe rooted in heritage and flavor. This traditional dish combines tender, slow-simmered pork, nutty barley, and creamy milk for a velvety, satisfying soup that's perfect for chilly days. Infused with simple yet aromatic ingredients like bay leaf, finely chopped onions, and a dash of freshly cracked black pepper, this recipe delivers a rustic, farmhouse feel in every spoonful. Whether garnished with fresh parsley or enriched with a touch of butter, this one-pot wonder is easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with crusty bread. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this classic Dutch soup is a must-try for anyone looking to celebrate the comforting flavors of Michigan’s culinary traditions.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Pork shoulder or pork stew meat
• 8 cups Water
• 1 cup Barley
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups Milk
• 1 whole Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Butter (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large stockpot, combine the pork and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and skim off any foam that forms on the surface.

Step 3

Add the finely chopped onion, barley, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Cover the pot with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar, and let the soup simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent the barley from sticking to the bottom.

Step 5

After 1 hour, carefully remove the pork from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Discard any excess fat.

Step 6

Return the shredded pork to the pot. Add the milk, salt, and ground black pepper, stirring well to combine.

Step 7

Let the soup simmer for another 20-30 minutes until the barley is tender and the soup has thickened slightly. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8

If desired, stir in butter for added richness before serving.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if using. Serve warm with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3185.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1749.3

Total Fat 118.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 52.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 393.7mg	0%
Sodium 3200.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 81.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.9g	0%
Total Sugars 29.1g
Protein 94.1g	0%

Vitamin D 263.6IU	0%
Calcium 840.5mg	0%
Iron 6.8mg	0%
Potassium 2254.7mg	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: 60.3%

Protein: 21.2%

Carbs: 18.5%