Ingredients and Weight:
- Barley: 1 cup (dry)
- Mixed Mushrooms (e.g., shiitake, cremini, white): 8 oz
- Chicken Stock: 4 cups
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Sort and clean the barley, removing any debris or impurities.
- In a large pot, combine chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- Add the cleaned barley and let it boil for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, clean and slice the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the onions and garlic to the pot and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.
- Add the mixed mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms are tender and the barley is cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper and stir well.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve hot in bowls.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 200 calories per serving (assuming no additional oil or salt during cooking)
- Carbohydrates: Barley is a good source of carbs, providing energy.
- Protein: Mushrooms are rich in protein.
- Fiber: Barley is high in fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health.
- Minerals and Vitamins: Both barley and mushrooms provide essential minerals and vitamins.
Dish Characteristics:
- This soup is hearty and comforting, perfect for a cold weather meal or a light dinner.
- The combination of mushrooms and barley offers a unique flavor profile that is both savory and slightly earthy.
- It is easy to customize with additional ingredients like herbs or spices to suit different tastes.
User Comments:
- "This soup was delicious! The combination of mushrooms and barley was unexpected but really worked."
- "I made this for my family and they loved it. It was so comforting on a cold winter night."
- "I added some fresh thyme to this soup which gave it an amazing flavor. Definitely a keeper!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Ensure all mushrooms are properly cleaned to remove any dirt or impurities.
- If using dried mushrooms, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before cooking to rehydrate them.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste. Start with less salt and pepper and add more if needed.
- Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil can enhance the flavor and presentation of the soup.
