Pearl Barley Mushroom Soup

Name: Pearl Barley Mushroom Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Russian
Ingredients: 2/3 cup pearl barley, rinsed; 1 lb mushrooms (mixed varieties), sliced; 2 small carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 8 cups vegetable broth; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 2 bay leaves; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

A hearty Russian soup combining tender pearl barley with earthy mushrooms, root vegetables, and fresh dill in a savory broth. Warming and deeply satisfying.

65 minEasyServes 6180 cal/serving

RussianSoupStovetopVegetarian

Ingredients

2/3 cup pearl barley, rinsed
1 lb mushrooms (mixed varieties), sliced
2 small carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 small yellow onion, diced
8 cups vegetable broth
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1

Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2

Add 1 small diced yellow onion, 2 small diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3

Add 1 lb sliced mushrooms (mixed varieties) and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid.
4

Pour in 8 cups vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5

Stir in 2/3 cup rinsed pearl barley and add 2 bay leaves.
6

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the barley is tender.
7

Season to taste with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
8

Remove bay leaves from the pot.
9

Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
10

Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Questions

Can I make Pearl Barley Mushroom Soup dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 2 tbsp butter. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Pearl Barley Mushroom Soup gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 2/3 cup pearl barley, rinsed. Swap the grain for cooked rice or quinoa (the chew will differ). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Pearl Barley Mushroom Soup keep?

Refrigerate it up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it.

Can I halve or double Pearl Barley Mushroom Soup?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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