12+ Homemade Barley Soup Recipes You’ll Love to Make!

Imagine a warm bowl of soup, steam rising as you take a deep breath, inhaling the rich, savory aroma. Barley soup is a deliciously comforting dish that has captured hearts around the world. Get ready to explore some delightful recipes that will make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds dance with joy!

Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup

This soup is a colorful medley of fresh vegetables and tender barley, simmered in a savory broth. With ingredients like carrots, celery, and onions, this dish bursts with flavor and nutrition. What makes it special is how customizable it is—add in your favorite seasonal veggies or whatever you have on hand!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they begin to soften.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the barley and thyme.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 30-40 minutes, until the barley is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Chicken and Barley Soup

This comforting soup combines tender chicken with nutty barley, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug. The rich chicken broth is infused with herbs, while the barley adds a hearty texture. It’s a favorite for chilly evenings when you need something nourishing and satisfying!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the chicken and cook until no longer pink.
4. Stir in the barley, chicken broth, and rosemary.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Mushroom Barley Soup

For all the mushroom lovers out there, this soup is a must-try! Earthy mushrooms combine beautifully with barley in a savory broth, creating a rich and satisfying flavor profile. This recipe is not only delicious but also a great way to use up those extra mushrooms in your fridge!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (any variety)
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onions and mushrooms until they are nicely browned.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the barley and broth, along with thyme.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 30-35 minutes, until the barley is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with fresh dill on top.

Beef Barley Soup

This hearty beef barley soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender chunks of beef, rich flavors, and wholesome barley. The depth of flavor comes from slow-cooking the beef with aromatic vegetables, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead. Your loved ones will keep asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef stew meat, diced
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the beef stew meat over medium heat.
2. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic, then add the barley and beef broth.
4. Add oregano, and bring everything to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 1-1.5 hours, until the beef is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Curried Barley Soup

For a unique twist, this curried barley soup will awaken your taste buds with its vibrant spices! The combination of curry powder with barley and vegetables creates a flavorful fusion that’s both exotic and comforting. It’s a fantastic way to bring some excitement to your regular soup routine!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and bell pepper until softened.
2. Add the garlic and curry powder, cooking for another minute to release the spices’ aroma.
3. Stir in the barley and broth, bringing it to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, until barley is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.