Vegetarian Gerstensuppe (Swiss Barley Soup)

Warm your soul with a hearty bowl of Vegetarian Gerstensuppe, a comforting Swiss barley soup that's as nourishing as it is delicious. This wholesome recipe features tender pearl barley simmered to perfection alongside a medley of fresh vegetables, including carrots, celery, leeks, and kale, all infused with the subtle aroma of a bay leaf. With just a touch of olive oil and a rich vegetable broth base, this dairy-free and meatless take on a classic Swiss favorite offers a satisfying depth of flavor. Ready in about an hour, it's a perfect one-pot meal ideal for chilly evenings or meal prepping ahead. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, and enjoy this wholesome, plant-based dish that's sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 200 grams pearl barley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 2 medium, diced carrots
• 2 diced celery stalks
• 1 medium, cleaned and sliced leek
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 liter vegetable broth
• 2 medium, peeled and diced potatoes
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 100 grams chopped kale
• 2 tablespoons, chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon, freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pearl barley under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Step 3

Add the diced carrots, celery, leek, and garlic to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed barley, diced potatoes, and bay leaf. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil.

Step 5

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer uncovered for about 40-45 minutes, or until the barley and vegetables are tender.

Step 6

Add the chopped kale to the soup and continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the kale has softened.

Step 7

Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnishing with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Vegetarian Gerstensuppe!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2586.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2054.6

Total Fat 44.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.7g
Cholesterol 1.8mg	0%
Sodium 5441.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 370.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 70.2g	0%
Total Sugars 47.5g
Protein 60.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 767.9mg	0%
Iron 21.5mg	0%
Potassium 7153.1mg	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: 19.0%

Protein: 11.4%

Carbs: 69.6%