Description
Hearty pearl barley soup delivers comfort from Italian kitchens, blending rustic vegetables and rich broth into a nourishing meal. Warm spoons of this Mediterranean classic invite home cooks to savor each spoonful of pure, wholesome goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 150 grams (5.3 ounces) Chorizo, roughly chopped
Grains and Vegetables:
- 200 grams (7.1 ounces) Pearl Barley
- 2 Onions, roughly chopped
- 2 Carrots, finely chopped
- 2 sticks Celery, finely chopped
- Cabbage or Kale, roughly chopped
- 1 can Whole Tomatoes
- 2 Bay leaves (dried or fresh)
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1.8 liters (7.6 cups) Stock (veggie, chicken, or even water)
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic foundation by heating a tablespoon (15 milliliters) of olive oil in a large pan. Sauté the diced chorizo until it releases its rich, smoky oils and develops a deep, golden color.
- Incorporate the finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery into the pan. Gently cook the vegetables for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become translucent, creating a robust flavor base.
- Add two bay leaves and pearl barley to the mixture. Stir thoroughly, ensuring the barley is coated with the savory oils and vegetable essences.
- Crush the whole tomatoes directly into the pan using a wooden spoon. Pour in 1.8 liters (61 fluid ounces) of vegetable or chicken stock, creating a hearty liquid base.
- Bring the soup to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the mixture to cook for 35-40 minutes, letting the barley absorb the liquid and become tender.
- Introduce chopped cabbage or kale into the simmering soup. For a luxurious texture, use an immersion blender to puree a small section of the soup, then fold it back into the mixture.
- Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, melding the flavors and ensuring the vegetables are perfectly cooked.
Notes
- Slow-cooked vegetables develop a profound flavor foundation, transforming this soup from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Crushing whole tomatoes directly in the pan unleashes their natural sweetness, creating a more integrated and vibrant sauce.
- Partially blending the soup with a hand blender introduces a luxurious silkiness while maintaining its rustic charm.
- Seasonal greens like kale or cabbage inject a burst of nutrition and fresh vibrancy into the final dish.
- Flexible ingredient options empower home cooks to personalize the recipe based on seasonal availability or pantry contents.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg