Easy Bean and Barley Soup

Easy Bean and Barley Soup takes only minutes to prepare after soaking the beans overnight. Soaking reduces cooking time and the oliosaccarides that can cause gas. There is no need to sauté the onion unless you prefer the added flavor of caramelized onion.

All ingredients except salt, pepper and cheese are added to the pot, brought to a boil, and simmered for about 1.5 hours or until the beans and barley are tender. Pureeing some of the soup (see photos below) using a blender or stick blender is optional.

One serving of Easy Bean and Barley Soup has only 16 calories from fat per serving while providing 9 grams of fiber and 13 grains of protein. Many 2-oz. protein bars provide 10 grams of protein and a third of the fiber for about the same number of calories.

Nutrition information is with Parmesan cheese. Subtract 20 calories, 1 gram of saturated fat and 2 grams of protein.

This recipe can be doubled.

About Cooking Barley

Pearled barley is available regular and quick-cooking. Some regular varieties are tender and fully cooked in 1.5 to 2 hours without soaking. Others needs to soak a few hours in cold water to reduce cooking time.

If you know your barley is tender in about 1.5 hours of cooking, omit the presoak. Otherwise soak 2 to 3 hours to reduce cooking time so beans and barley are tender in about the same cooking time.

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Spicy Vegetarian White Bean Chili

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (100 g) pearl barley
• 1 cup (200 g) navy or other white beans
• 4 cups (960 ml) beef, chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 2 (125 g) carrots, finely chopped
• 1 (150 g) small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) fresh Italian parsley, chopped or 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 small sprig of fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) dried ground rosemary
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) kosher salt or to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
• 1/4 cup (20 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method of Preparation