Description
This hearty Vegan Beef Barley Soup combines tender pearl barley, savory vegan beef crumbles, and a vibrant mix of vegetables and herbs, creating a nutritious and comforting meal perfect for chilly days. It’s a wholesome, plant-based soup that delivers rich flavors with every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme (or 2 tablespoons fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary)
- 2 cups vegan beef crumbles (or diced mushrooms)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or Tamari
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the barley: Rinse the pearl barley thoroughly under cold water to remove any dust or impurities. This helps ensure a clean and tender final texture.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add vegetables and herbs: Incorporate the diced carrots, celery, dried thyme, and rosemary into the pot. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables and bloom the herbs.
- Cook the vegan beef crumbles: Add the vegan beef crumbles or mushrooms to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they start to brown and develop flavor.
- Add liquids and barley: Pour in the vegetable broth, water, and soy sauce (or Tamari). Stir in the rinsed pearl barley, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Finish and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy a filling, nutritious meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute pearl barley with gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice.
- The soy sauce can be replaced with Tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
- Feel free to swap vegan beef crumbles with diced portobello mushrooms for a different texture and flavor.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can enhance brightness and balance the rich flavors.
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Keywords: vegan soup, barley soup, vegan beef crumbles, healthy soup, plant-based soup, vegetable broth soup