
What can be a more comforting food than a warm bowl of soup during chilly winter nights?
I guess the soup will get the most votes for winter foods. Donโt you think so? When this soup is healthy what else does our body need to fight the chilly temperatures outside.
Since I started writing this blog, I have become even pickier about what we eat. I started incorporating more whole grains instead of refined flour into our diet than before. That’s what the healthy food pyramid suggests to have for a balanced diet.

This barley soup is filling, contains very simple ingredients that are common and readily available. Initially, I made it spontaneously with ingredients that I had in my pantry at that time. We liked it so much that we decided to share this simple version of soup with you all. One bowl of barley soup and dinner is done.
How is this barley soup healthy?
This barley soup is healthy because
- it contains whole grains and is high in fiber contents
- it contains fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, tomatoes
- it is very low in saturated fat

MORE SOUP RECIPES YOU WILL LOVE TO TRY
- Healthy Chicken Barley soup
- Healthy Broccoli Soup
- Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower Soup
- Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup
- Easy Vegetable Pasta Soup Recipe
๐ Recipe
Barley Soup
Ingredients
- ยพ cup pearl barley
- 1 celery stalk diced into small pieces
- 1 onion diced into small pieces
- 1-2 medium carrot peeled and diced into small pieces
- 1 tomato diced into small pieces
- 2-3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth if vegan)
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
- ยผ cup chopped spring onions
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ginger, garlic and saute until fragrant for about 30-40 sec
- Add onions and saute until lightly golden brown for about a min. or two
- Then add all the remaining ingredients except spring onions and let it boil.
- Simmer on low heat for about 30 min. or until the barley is tender
- Garnish with spring onions and serve warm to enjoy a bowl of barley soup
Notes
- At the end of the cooking time mentioned test tastes the doneness of barley and cook a little longer if you need it more tender.
- If necessaryย add more chicken or vegetable broth.
- You can also make barley soup in Instant Pot. Follow this recipe to makeย Vegetable Barley Soup in Instant Potย
Easy, healthy, delicious!
Thanks for this great recipe and your wonderful website.
Naan-garlic bread is next!!
The flavor of this soup is SO GOOD! I am also happy because it’s not an enormous amount of servings. It was perfect for a few meals for just myself, because my husband is not a huge soup fan. I was too lazy to chop an onion (plus the only onions I have have sprouted *eyeroll*) so I ended up using about 1/8-1/4 cup of dehydrated onion. Also used cherry tomatoes because that’s what I had. I will DEFINITELY be using this recipe again! Thanks! ๐
Perfect lunch! I added some small spicy red peppers for heat. Love it! Thanks for sharing.
Yummy!!! It’s very healthy & tasty recipe. I like it. Thanks for sharing with us.
This. LOOKS. AMAZING. Will definitely try!
Mmm this is just what I need this spring in Australia. This looks delicious – hopefully my toddler will eat this too!
I love barley in soups. My kids like it, too. This looks like a great recipe. Pinned.
This looks so yummy and perfect for cold weather! I’ve got 2 in the family with the flu right now, so this is on the list. Thanks for sharing at Your Inspired Design!
My mom LOVES barley soup! I am definitely going to whip some of this up as a surprise for her! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday this week.
Absolutely love this, it looks ever so yummy! Totally pinning ๐ xo
Thank you Marie! Yes, this soup is so comforting for cold nights. We would love to know how it turns out for you.
This sounds delicious! Pinning this to make later.
Sure! Do give it a try!
I love a good soup recipe! Especially one with carrots! Pinning this and adding it to one of our dinner menus soon!
This is perfect for the winter time in New England! Thanks for sharing! ๐
Hello Brian! I am sure you will love it.
I’ve been looking for some barley recipes. This looks really good. Thanks for sharing!
I love soup year-round, but it certain has a special place in our hearts and bellies during the winter months. Love the spices and flavours of this soup.
Wow! I usually have barley as a drink but with your recipe, I am now interested to make it into a soup (just like yours). Thanks for the recipe! ๐
Try it soon. I am sure you will like it.
Barley is such a great and healthy filler, I really like it in meat stews and salads too. The soup looks very comforting.
We always look for options to add whole grains into our diet. Yes, barley is healthy and a great option. I am yet to try it in salads and stews.
Barley is such an underrated ingredient. I love the texture of it and it is a great addition to soup. Love it.
You are right Mark! And we love it in soup.