The toasted barley and wild rice topping adds a tasty crunch to this whole grain barley soup packed with lentils and vegetables. This soup freezes well if you have any leftovers.
In a large saucepan, heat oil over high heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for about 2 minutes or until garlic starts to brown and onions are translucent.
Add carrots, celery, mixed raw vegetables and continue sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes or under vegetables are almost tender. Mix in onion powder, oregano, dried basil, salt and cook another few minutes.
In a large pot, add vegetable mixture, water, tomatoes with their liquid, lentils, barley, bay leaves and chili flakes. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce to a simmer for about 30 minutes or until barley has expanded, and lentils are soft.
Add pickle liquid and maple syrup to soup. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
Allow to cook an additional 10 minutes to thicken. Remove bay leaves. Top with toasted barley and wild rice bits and celery leaves. Serve.
For Topping
In a heavy bottomed or cast-iron pan heat oil over medium high heat. Add reserved garlic and cook just until browned. Remove garlic from pan and set aside. Remove barley and wild rice from pan and add to garlic, season with salt and pepper; Set aside.
Return pan to heat, add barley and wild rice, toast until wild rice pops and barley is browned. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Remove barley and wild rice from pan and add to garlic. Season with salt and pepper; Set aside.
Video
Notes
If using whole tomatoes break up into smaller pieces before adding to the soup.Vegetable suggestions: mushrooms, cabbage, potato, cauliflower
Nutrition Facts
Barley, Lentil and Vegetable Soup
Serving Size
1
Amount per Serving
Calories
207
% Daily Value*
Fat
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
3
g
Sodium
412
mg
18
%
Potassium
529
mg
15
%
Carbohydrates
36
g
12
%
Fiber
9
g
38
%
Sugar
7
g
8
%
Protein
7
g
14
%
Vitamin A
2261
IU
45
%
Vitamin C
11
mg
13
%
Calcium
67
mg
7
%
Iron
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.