Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dry green lentils
- 1/2 cup pearl barley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach leaves, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils and barley under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
- Add the carrots and celery, cooking until slightly softened.
- Stir in the lentils, barley, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), cumin, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 45 minutes or until the lentils and barley are tender.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- For a thicker soup, use less broth or allow it to simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- The soup’s flavor develops over time, making it even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg (varies with broth used)
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 15 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Barley Lentil Soup, Hearty Soup Recipe, High Fiber Soup, Vegetarian Soup, Vegan Soup