Mushroom Barley Soup

Related recipes: Balanced Plate, Carrots, Celery, Grains, Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, Mushrooms, Onions, Soups, Soups/Salads, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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From The Balanced Plate
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I dedicate this soup to my husband. He loves it so much that I wish I was soup when he is eating it. Rich with niacin to protect and build a healthy heart, barley is well known to lower cholesterol. Barley is rich in complex carbohydrates for long-term fuel and has plenty of fiber for a healthy digestive system. It is also one of the best sources of selenium, a valuable trace mineral vital to our thyroid, immune system, and antioxidant defense systems. The barley does not absolutely have to be soaked overnight, but I recommend it because it cuts the cooking time in half.

Preparation facts

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups pearled barley, soaked in 4 cups filtered water overnight, drained, and rinsed

1 yellow onion, chopped

3 ribs celery, cut into 1/2" pieces

2 carrots, scrubbed or peeled, sliced in half lengthwise and cut into 1/2" pieces

3 cups sliced cremini mushrooms

4 cups light vegetable stock

2 cups filtered water

sea salt

Directions

In a medium-large stockpot, place the drained barley, onion, celery, carrots, and mushrooms. Add the stock and 2 cups of filtered water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the barley is completely cooked and thickened.

Season to taste with sea salt. Add more water or stock if the soup is too thick for your liking.

Variation: In a pinch, filtered water and natural bouillon cubes may be used.

Copyright © 2005 by Renée Loux

Nutrition facts

Serving Size 1 serving
Calories 250
Calories from Fat 149 (60%)
% Daily Value*
26%Total Fat 17g
10%Saturated Fat 2g
2%Sodium 40mg
7%Total Carbohydrate 22g
12%Dietary Fiber 3g
8%Protein 4g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition facts are calculated by a food expert using nutritional values provided by the USDA for common products used as recipe ingredients. Actual nutritional values may differ depending on the amounts or products used and can be affected by cooking methods.