Indulge in the creamy comfort of Dutch Barley Soup Dessert, a unique fusion of wholesome tradition and rich, velvety sweetness. This classic European treat takes tender, simmered pearl barley and infuses it with the luscious flavors of vanilla bean, cinnamon, and a hint of bright lemon zest. A mixture of milk, heavy cream, and sugar creates a decadent base, while optional plump raisins add a delightful pop of texture. Finished with a sprinkling of nutmeg, this dessert soup is perfect served warm for cozy evenings or chilled for a refreshing twist. Ready in under an hour, this nostalgic dish is the perfect balance of hearty and indulgent, offering a delightful way to explore the versatility of barley in desserts.
Rinse the pearl barley thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
In a large pot, combine the rinsed barley and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer the barley for 25 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess water if needed.
While the barley simmers, split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Reserve both the seeds and the pod.
In the same pot, add the cooked barley, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla seeds and pod, cinnamon stick, lemon zest, and salt.
Stir the mixture gently and heat over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
Lower the heat and cook for 20 more minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The mixture should thicken slightly.
If using raisins, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking to plump them up.
Remove the pot from heat and discard the vanilla pod and cinnamon stick.
Let the dessert soup cool slightly before serving. Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with a pinch of ground nutmeg for garnish.
Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Calories |
1867 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 79.7 g | 102% | |
| Saturated Fat | 46.8 g | 234% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 246 mg | 82% | |
| Sodium | 465 mg | 20% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 245.5 g | 89% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.4 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 156.0 g | ||
| Protein | 28.7 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.7 mcg | 28% | |
| Calcium | 800 mg | 62% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 1510 mg | 32% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.