Description
This hearty Vegan Beef Barley Soup is a comforting, nutritious dish featuring tender pearl barley, savory vegan beef crumbles, and a medley of vegetables simmered in flavorful vegetable broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s packed with herbs and plant-based protein, making it a delicious and healthy choice for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Ingredients
Scale
Grains
- 1 cup pearl barley
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or Tamari
Protein
- 2 cups vegan beef crumbles or diced mushrooms
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare the barley: Rinse the pearl barley thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess starch. Set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add vegetables and herbs: Stir in diced carrots, celery, dried thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Incorporate vegan beef crumbles: Add the vegan beef crumbles or diced mushrooms to the pot and cook until lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add barley, liquids, and seasoning: Pour in the rinsed barley, vegetable broth, water, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 45-50 minutes or until the barley is tender and soup has thickened to your liking.
- Final seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Stir in fresh parsley, if using, just before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm as a comforting vegan meal.
Notes
- You can substitute vegan beef crumbles with diced mushrooms or textured vegetable protein for texture variation.
- Adjust soy sauce amount based on desired saltiness; Tamari is a gluten-free alternative.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and often taste better the next day.
- For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce liquid.
- Feel free to add other veggies like diced potatoes or green beans for extra nutrition.
Keywords: vegan barley soup, vegan beef soup, plant-based soup, healthy vegan recipes, barley soup, vegan comfort food