Skip to main content

Quickest Mushroom-Barley Soup

FLAVOR BOOSTERS When reducing the amount of fat added to a quick-cooking dish, a few last-minute additions—such as the fresh lemon juice and parsley in this soup—can have a big impact on the overall taste. A topping of shaved Parmesan also improves the end result.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/4 pounds white mushrooms, trimmed and sliced
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 1/2 cups low-sodium store-bought chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 cup quick-cooking barley
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 ounce Parmesan cheese, shaved with a vegetable peeler, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high. Add mushrooms, onion, garlic, and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables have softened, 6 to 8 minutes.

    Step 2

    Add broth and the water to pan; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer; add barley and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove soup from heat; stir in parsley and lemon juice. Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan.

  2. About Barley

    Step 3

    Pearl barley and quick-cooking barley absorb water faster than regular hulled barley because their bran layers have been removed. The quick-cooking variety, however, has also been presteamed and takes only 10 minutes to cook—more than twice as fast as pearl barley.

  3. Nutrition Information

    Step 4

    (Per Serving)

    Step 5

    Calories: 310

    Step 6

    Fat: 6.8g (2.4g Saturated Fat)

    Step 7

    Protein: 15.1g

    Step 8

    Carbohydrates: 48.7g

    Step 9

    Fiber: 8.6g

Everyday Food: Light
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Glossy, intensely chocolaty, and spiked with coffee and sour cream, this Bundt is the ultimate all-purpose dessert.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.