Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this Vegan Beef Barley Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner on a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Rich and savory flavors that will leave you wanting more.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Perfect for meal prep, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays.
Ingredient Notes:
- Pearl barley: Adds a chewy texture and nutty flavor to the soup.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding depth to the dish.
- Onion and garlic: Provide a base of flavor for the soup.
- Carrots and celery: Add sweetness and crunch to the soup.
- Dried thyme and rosemary: Infuse the soup with aromatic herbs.
- Vegan beef crumbles or diced mushrooms: Add a meaty texture and umami flavor.
- Vegetable broth and water: Create a flavorful broth for the soup.
- Soy sauce or Tamari: Adds depth and richness to the broth.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Garnish the soup for a fresh touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add carrots and celery, cook until slightly softened.
- Stir in thyme, rosemary, vegan beef crumbles, pearl barley, vegetable broth, and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes until barley is tender.
- Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a thicker soup, add more barley.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Substitute the vegan beef crumbles with your favorite protein alternative.
- Add more water or broth if the soup becomes too thick upon reheating.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Toast the barley before adding it to the soup for a nuttier flavor.
- Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant taste.
- Experiment with different vegetables like potatoes or squash for variety.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Vegan Beef Barley Soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added flavor. Pair it with a glass of red wine or a cup of herbal tea for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding more water or broth as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Can I use regular beef instead of vegan beef crumbles? Absolutely, feel free to use your choice of protein in this recipe.
- How can I make this soup gluten-free? Substitute the pearl barley with a gluten-free grain like quinoa or rice.
Conclusion:
Warm up your kitchen with a bowl of Vegan Beef Barley Soup and enjoy the nourishing flavors of this comforting dish. Don’t forget to share your feedback and let us know how you liked it!
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Vegan Beef Barley Soup
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful vegan version of the classic beef barley soup, this recipe features tender pearl barley, savory vegan beef crumbles, and a rich vegetable broth infused with aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
- 2 cups vegan beef crumbles (or diced mushrooms)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or Tamari
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are soft.
- Add Herbs and Vegan Beef: Stir in thyme, rosemary, and vegan beef crumbles. Cook for a few minutes.
- Add Barley and Liquid: Add pearl barley, vegetable broth, water, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until barley is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh parsley if using. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize this soup by adding additional vegetables like peas or potatoes.
- For a gluten-free option, make sure to use certified gluten-free tamari or soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg