Italian Lentil and Barley Soup
Warm, hearty, and brimming with Italian-inspired flavors, this Italian Lentil and Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort dish for any season. Packed with wholesome ingredients like nutrient-rich lentils, nutty pearl barley, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, this soup is as nutritious as it is satisfying. Simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth infused with garlic, oregano, thyme, and a hint of diced tomatoes, every spoonful is a celebration of rustic, homestyle goodness. Ready in just over an hour, this one-pot wonder is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dusting of Parmesan for a simple yet elegant finish. With its high fiber content, plant-based protein, and robust flavor, this soup is a wholesome delight you'll want to make again and again.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium Carrots, diced
- 2 Celery stalks, diced
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Dried brown lentils, rinsed
- 0.5 cup Pearl barley, rinsed
- 15 ounces Canned diced tomatoes
- 6 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the lentils, barley, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cover the pot with a lid, stirring occasionally.
Simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until the lentils and barley are tender.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
264 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.3 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g | 11% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 6 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 1083 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.8 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.4 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.9 g | ||
| Protein | 10.7 g | 21% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 139 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 930 mg | 20% | |
*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.
