Mushroom Barley Soup

It’s comforting and warm, satisfying, and wonderful to have on hand for quick lunches throughout the week.

Chilly days often have me scouring my pantry for soup-making ingredients. Which I try to keep stocked at all times. Because when the days are damp and cold, there is nothing warmer, more nourishing, or comforting than soup.

Although… tea and coffee are right up there too.

And believe me… both go very well with this soup!

This simple soup is made on the stovetop, in one pan, in 30 minutes. There is no need to cook the barley separately. In fact, it adds delicious flavor to the soup.

How Long Does Mushroom Barley Soup Keep?

Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Which makes for delicious lunch options!

Can You Freeze Mushroom Barley Soup?

You can freeze almost any soup, including Mushroom Barley Soup. However, it does slightly alter the texture of the mushrooms and barley. My preference is to refrigerate.

Can you make Mushroom Barley Soup in the Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Saute the onions, carrots, and celery until tender in oil using the pressure cooker insert or a skillet. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms. Continue to cook until tender. Stir in the broth and barley. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 18 minutes. Once cooked, let the pressure release naturally.

Mushroom Barley Soup Ingredients

Other than its hearty, healthy, and delicious flavor, one of the reasons I love this soup is its simple ingredients. Here’s what you need to make the soup (exact measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post).

• Olive oil
• Medium onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic
• Fresh mushrooms
• Broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
• Barley
• Fresh parsley for serving (optional)

What kind of broth should you use in this soup?

To make this soup strictly vegan, use vegetable broth or stock. Both chicken and beef broth work equally well. I love the additional richness and flavor that comes with using beef stock.

Hulled vs Pearled Barley

Can you use hulled barley and pearled barley interchangeably in a recipe? Let’s first look at the difference between the two.

What is Hulled Barley?

Hulled barley, otherwise known as barley groats, hulled barley is the whole grain form of barley. Only its outermost hull has been removed resulting in the healthiest form of barley. It’s rich in fiber, chewy, and delicious. However, it takes considerably longer to cook. Plan on an hour when using it in recipes.

What is Pearled Barley?

Pearled barley is the most common form of barley. It’s also chewy and healthy. Like hulled barley, the outermost husk has been removed along with the bran layer. The grains in pearled barley are softer and require less cooking time. Most recipes use pearled barley.

Can you Substitute hulled barley for pearled barley?

In most cases, yes. However, be aware that the cooking time will need to be adjusted.

More Soup Recipes You May Also Enjoy

• Hearty, Quick and Delicious Mushroom Barley Soup
• Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Barley Soup Recipe
• Hearty Slow Cook Beef Barley Soup
• 31 Fall and Winter Cozy Soup Recipes and Ideas
• Easy Mushroom and Kale Quiche