Barley and Bean Soup

Soups are good for the soul. They can give some much-needed comfort after a long day of hustling (especially on those cold winter days!) and they are an excellent and easy meal to share as a family. This Bean and Barley Soup has so many amazing qualities to it. It is full of veggies, fiber, plant-based protein, and whole grains. You will for sure incorporate it into your weekly rotation once you try it, so let’s see how easy it is to prepare.
Budget-Friendly
As if we hadn’t proved how amazing soups are enough, we are happy to report that they are also one of the most budget-friendly dishes you can prepare. When times are tight or you are just trying to be more mindful about your food spending, soups are a huge help. You can add any veggie you have on hand and a can of beans with some veggie stock and you have a great soup already. So simple and so delicious.

This recipe calls for 6 cups of vegetable broth. We used three cubes diluted in 6 cups of water.
Crockpot Version
If you have a crockpot and want to put it to good use, then this soup is a great option. Start by throwing in all the ingredients and letting it sit for the day on medium heat. If you are doing it this way, we recommend using pre-soaked bulk dry beans to keep the cost even lower. This is a great way to get into the habit of buying beans and pulses in the bulk section which would not only lower the cost but help you reduce waste.

We absolutely love this Bean and Barley Soup! Give it a try and see how easy it is to eat healthy, low-cost and plant-based.

Recommended Equipment:

My favorite knives
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Can opener
Large Pot
Wooden Spoon

Photos by Alfonso Revilla



Ingredients2 tablespoons of olive oil1 small yellow onion, diced3 garlic cloves, minced1 carrot, thinly sliced2 ribs of celery, sliced6 cups of vegetable broth1 cup of barley1 (14.5) can of diced tomatoes, in their juices1 (15-ounce) can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste3 tablespoons of cumin2 teaspoons of chili powderPepper, to tasteTortilla chips, for garnish (optional)Avocado, for garnish (optional)

MethodStep 1

In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Saute the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until the vegetables are tender, for about five minutes.

Step 2

Add broth (for broth I used six cups of water and three bullion cubes), barley, cans of beans, can of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices, and let it boil for 30 minutes until the barley is nice and soft.

 

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