Easy Bean and Barley Soup
2016-03-18- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
- Course: Soup
- Skill Level: Easy
- Yield : About 6 cups
- Servings : 1 cup
- Prep Time : 15m
- Cook Time : 1:30 h
- Ready In : 2:25 h
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Nutritional Info
This information is per serving.
-
Calories
220 -
Calories From Fat
16 -
Total Fat
2g -
Saturated Fat
1g -
Trans Fat
0g -
Cholesterol
<5mg -
Sodium
320mg -
Carbohydrates
39g -
Dietary Fiber
9g -
Sugar
4g -
Protein
13g -
Serving Size:
1 cup (10-oz., 280 g)
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.
Related Recipes
Easy Vegetarian White Bean Soup
Spicy White Bean & Chicken Chili
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
Step 1
Soak beans overnight in a pot or bowl cover by at least one inch of water. Replacing the soak water several times will reduce gas forming compounds. Soak barley, if required, 2 to 3 hours.
Step 2
Add all ingredients except salt, pepper and cheese to a 4 qt/l pot. Bring water to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally about 1.5 hours or until beans and barley are tender.
Step 3
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in cheese, if desired, or serve on the side.