Italian-Inspired Vegetable Barley Soup
This soup is packed with fibre from tons of vegetable and barley. Fresh basil and grated Parmesan add a punch of great flavour.
Ingredients
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2 tsp olive oil, extra-virgin
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1 large uncooked carrot(s), diced
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1 small uncooked onion(s), chopped
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3⁄4 cup(s) uncooked celery, diced
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4 tsp minced garlic
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4 cup(s) reduced-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup(s) water
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14 1⁄2 oz canned diced tomatoes, undrained
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1⁄2 cup(s) uncooked pearl barley, pearl variety
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8 1⁄2 oz fresh mushroom(s), thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
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1⁄4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
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1 small uncooked zucchini, diced
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1⁄2 cup(s) basil, chopped
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8 tsp grated Parmesan cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano recommended
Instructions
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Heat oil in a large nonstick saucepan over medium-high heat. Add carrot, onion and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are light golden, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Add broth, water and tomatoes to pan; bring to a boil over high heat.
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Add barley, mushrooms and pepper; cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until barley is almost tender, about 40 minutes.
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Stir in zucchini; cover and cook until barley and zucchini are tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in basil. Season to taste, if desired. Spoon into bowls and sprinkle each serving with 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
Notes
This soup keeps very well. Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze in airtight containers up to 3 months.
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