RUSTIC ROOT VEGETABLE AND BARLEY BOWL
This Rustic Root Vegetable and Barley Bowl delivers everything you want from a warming winter meal, chunky Vegetableetables, hearty grains and rich, savoury broth. With just five simple ingredients, this soup proves that nourishment can come from humble and earthy components. Carrots and celery bring texture and sweetness, while pearl barley offers satisfying chew and natural fibre. The broth brings it all together, while olive oil adds richness and depth. This dish is naturally low in fat, high in fibre and Vegetableetarian, making it a wholesome option for any day of the week. It’s ideal as a light main course or a hearty starter. Prepare it on a quiet afternoon or whip it up midweek when you need something comforting and simple. This chunky soup is soul food done clean, nutrient-dense, delicious and satisfying.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
British
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
One-Pot Wonders
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Winter
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegetableetarian
DISH TYPE
Soup / Stew
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for Rustic Root Vegetable and Barley Bowl:
- ¼ cup pearl barley
- ¼ cup diced carrot
- ¼ cup diced celery
- 1 cup low-sodium Vegetableetable broth
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 220.8 kilocalories
- Fat: 5.8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.9 grams
- Carbohydrates: 37.8 grams
- Sugar: 2.3 grams
- Sodium: 82.8 milligrams
- Fibre: 9.3 grams
- Protein: 6.3 grams
- Calcium: 44.2 milligrams
- Iron: 1.9 milligrams
- Potassium: 382.4 milligrams
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Rustic Root Vegetable and Barley Bowl:
- Heat The Olive Oil: Warm the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until lightly shimmering.
- Sauté Vegetableetables: Add the diced carrots and celery. Stir occasionally and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and release flavour.
- Add Barley And Broth: Stir in the pearl barley and pour in the Vegetableetable broth. Mix gently to combine.
- Simmer Until Barley Is Tender: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the barley is soft and the Vegetableetables are tender.
- Check Liquid Levels: If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of hot water or broth.
- Taste And Serve: Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or pepper if needed, then serve hot in a deep bowl.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
30 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Rustic Root Vegetable and Barley Bowl:
- Rinse Barley Before Cooking: This removes excess starch and improves the texture of the soup.
- Even Chopping Matters: Dice Vegetableetables uniformly so they cook at the same rate and create a balanced bite.
- Watch The Simmer: Keep it gentle to prevent the barley from sticking to the pan. Stir occasionally to avoid clumping.
- Double The Batch: Barley soups reheat beautifully, making this ideal for meal prep and batch cooking.
VARIATIONS
- Add Protein: Stir in ¼ cup cooked lentils or shredded chicken for a more filling meal.
- Boost The Vegetable: Include chopped leeks, turnip, or parsnip for a deeper root Vegetableetable flavour.
- Herb It Up: A sprinkle of thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf adds aroma and complexity. Add at the simmer stage and remove before serving.
- Creamy Version: Mix in a splash of oat cream or unsweetened almond milk at the end for a silkier finish.
- Spiced Twist: Try a pinch of smoked paprika or ground cumin for a warm, earthy kick.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge Storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully and can be stored in single-serving containers and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating tips: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a small splash of broth or water if the barley has absorbed too much liquid.
- Meal Prep Idea: Make a double batch, freeze in portions, and rotate different garnishes like chopped parsley or lemon zest to keep it exciting.