Mother's Mushroom Barley Soup

Warm, hearty, and brimming with nostalgic flavors, Mother's Mushroom Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort in a bowl. This classic recipe combines tender cremini mushrooms, wholesome pearl barley, and a medley of aromatic vegetables gently simmered in a savory vegetable stock infused with thyme, dill, and soy sauce. Ready in just over an hour, this nourishing soup boasts a rich, earthy depth of flavor and a satisfying texture, making it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or meal-prepping for the week. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Whether you're seeking a plant-based soup or a hearty, vegetarian meal, this recipe is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 16 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 6 cups vegetable stock
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for 5-8 minutes, allowing them to release their moisture and begin to brown.

Step 5

Sprinkle the thyme, dill, and a pinch of salt over the vegetables, and stir well to combine.

Step 6

Add the bay leaf, pearl barley, vegetable stock, and water to the pot. Stir to mix all ingredients evenly.

Step 7

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the barley is cooked and tender.

Step 8

Stir in the soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 10

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3118.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1785.9

Total Fat 45.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 7234.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 298.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 64.5g	0%
Total Sugars 49.0g
Protein 67.3g	0%

Vitamin D 45.4IU	0%
Calcium 517.5mg	0%
Iron 16.8mg	0%
Potassium 6026.9mg	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: 21.7%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 63.9%