Barley soup is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth, nourishment, and hearty flavor to the table.
Known for its chewy texture and nutty taste, barley is a versatile grain that pairs beautifully with a variety of ingredients—from tender vegetables and savory meats to aromatic herbs and spices.
Whether you prefer a rich beef barley stew, a light vegetable barley broth, or a protein-packed lentil and barley combination, there’s a barley soup recipe to suit every palate and occasion.
In this article, we explore over 27 delicious barley soup recipes that are easy to make and perfect for cozy family meals or meal prepping.
Get ready to dive into a world of wholesome, satisfying soups that celebrate the wonderful versatility of barley.
27+ Delicious Barley Soup Recipes to Warm Your Soul
With these 27+ barley soup recipes, you have a diverse collection of wholesome and flavorful options to enjoy all year round.
From classic beef and vegetable combinations to creative vegetarian and vegan varieties, barley soups offer a comforting way to add whole grains and nutrients to your diet.
These recipes are simple to prepare and adaptable to what you have on hand, making them ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend cooking.
Whether you’re seeking a warming meal for chilly evenings or a nutritious lunch to power your day, barley soup is a delicious choice that never disappoints.
Beef Barley Soup
Beef Barley Soup is a hearty and nourishing dish that combines tender chunks of beef with chewy barley and a medley of vegetables in a rich, savory broth.
This classic soup is perfect for cold days, offering a satisfying and wholesome meal that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- Beef stew meat, cubed
- Pearl barley
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Beef broth
- Tomato paste
- Bay leaves
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Brown the beef cubes in a large pot until sealed on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in the same pot until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly.
- Return beef to the pot, add beef broth, barley, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until beef is tender and barley is cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This soup is the perfect blend of rich beef flavor and hearty barley, making it a filling and comforting choice that’s great for meal prep or family dinners.
Vegetable Barley Soup
Vegetable Barley Soup is a wholesome and nutritious option that features chewy barley cooked with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables in a light vegetable broth.
It’s an ideal soup for those seeking a meatless yet satisfying and fiber-rich meal.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Zucchini, diced
- Tomatoes, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable broth
- Bay leaves
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic in a large pot until fragrant and translucent.
- Add carrots, celery, zucchini, and tomatoes; cook for a few minutes.
- Stir in barley, vegetable broth, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until barley and vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaves, season with salt, pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This vegetable barley soup is light yet filling, providing a perfect balance of textures and flavors that nourish the body and satisfy the palate.
Chicken Barley Soup
Chicken Barley Soup is a comforting and protein-packed meal that combines tender chicken pieces with chewy barley and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth.
This soup is ideal for cozy dinners and offers a great way to use leftover chicken.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- Pearl barley
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Bay leaves
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic in a pot until soft and fragrant.
- Add carrots, celery, barley, chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil and then simmer until barley is tender and vegetables are cooked.
- Stir in cooked chicken and warm through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This chicken barley soup combines wholesome ingredients in a hearty, flavorful broth that provides comfort and nourishment, making it a perfect meal for any time of the year.
Mushroom Barley Soup
Mushroom Barley Soup is a rich and earthy dish that features tender mushrooms and chewy barley simmered in a savory broth.
This vegetarian-friendly soup offers deep umami flavors and a satisfying texture, making it a comforting choice for mushroom lovers.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, button), sliced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Vegetable broth
- Thyme
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, then add carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms release their juices.
- Stir in barley, vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until barley is tender and flavors meld.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
This mushroom barley soup combines hearty grains with rich mushroom flavor, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal perfect for cooler days.
Lentil Barley Soup
Lentil Barley Soup is a nutritious and filling soup that blends protein-packed lentils with chewy barley and fresh vegetables in a fragrant broth.
It’s a perfect plant-based meal that’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Brown or green lentils
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable broth
- Cumin
- Bay leaves
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft, then add carrots and celery. Cook for a few minutes.
- Stir in lentils, barley, vegetable broth, cumin, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil and simmer until lentils and barley are tender.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley before serving.
This lentil barley soup is packed with fiber and flavor, offering a wholesome, warming meal that’s both delicious and nourishing.
Tomato Barley Soup
Tomato Barley Soup is a tangy and hearty soup that combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with chewy barley and savory vegetables in a flavorful broth.
This comforting soup is great for those who enjoy a classic tomato base with added texture.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Tomatoes, diced or crushed
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Basil
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, then add carrots and celery. Cook until softened.
- Add tomatoes, barley, broth, basil, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until barley is cooked and flavors meld.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
This tomato barley soup offers a delicious balance of tangy tomato flavor and hearty barley, making it a comforting and wholesome choice for any season.
Italian Barley Soup
Italian Barley Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender barley with classic Italian ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs.
This soup is rich in texture and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Diced tomatoes
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Fresh basil and oregano
- Parmesan rind (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add barley, tomatoes, broth, and herbs to the pot.
- If using, add Parmesan rind for extra flavor.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until barley is tender.
- Remove Parmesan rind and season with salt and pepper.
This Italian barley soup is a comforting and aromatic dish that combines wholesome ingredients with a Mediterranean flair.
Barley and Sausage Soup
Barley and Sausage Soup is a robust and satisfying meal featuring savory sausage, hearty barley, and a mix of vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth.
It’s a perfect dish for those seeking a rich and filling soup.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Sausage (Italian or your choice), sliced or crumbled
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Chicken broth
- Crushed tomatoes
- Thyme and rosemary
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Brown sausage in a pot and set aside.
- Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add barley, broth, tomatoes, herbs, and cooked sausage.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until barley is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This soup combines savory sausage and chewy barley for a rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying meal.
Barley and Kale Soup
Barley and Kale Soup is a nutritious and hearty soup that pairs chewy barley with nutrient-rich kale and a variety of vegetables in a light broth.
It’s a great option for a healthy, filling meal full of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Fresh kale, chopped
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Thyme
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add carrots, celery, barley, broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until barley is tender.
- Stir in kale and cook until wilted and tender.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
This barley and kale soup offers a delicious way to enjoy wholesome greens and grains in a comforting, healthy broth.
Barley and Lentil Soup
Barley and Lentil Soup is a hearty, protein-packed dish combining the nutty flavor of barley with earthy lentils and fresh vegetables.
This soup is both filling and nutritious, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Brown or green lentils
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable broth
- Bay leaves
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add carrots and celery, cooking until slightly softened.
- Stir in barley, lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaves, and cumin.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until barley and lentils are tender.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
This soup provides a rich blend of flavors and textures, delivering a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Barley and Chicken Soup
Barley and Chicken Soup is a comforting classic that features tender chicken pieces simmered with barley and vegetables in a savory broth.
It’s a nourishing and warming soup, ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken, shredded
- Pearl barley
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Thyme
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add carrots, celery, barley, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil and simmer until barley is tender and vegetables are cooked.
- Stir in cooked chicken and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper.
This hearty chicken and barley soup is both flavorful and satisfying, perfect for nourishing meals any time of year.
Barley and Vegetable Soup
Barley and Vegetable Soup is a light yet filling dish featuring pearl barley cooked with a colorful mix of vegetables in a flavorful broth.
It’s an excellent way to enjoy wholesome ingredients in a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Carrots, diced
- Zucchini, chopped
- Green beans, cut
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable broth
- Bay leaves
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add carrots, zucchini, green beans, and barley with vegetable broth and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until barley and vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This vegetable-packed barley soup is light, nutritious, and perfect for a healthy, comforting meal.
Barley and Sausage Stew
Barley and Sausage Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish combining savory sausage with tender barley and vegetables simmered in a rich broth.
This stew is perfect for a satisfying meal that warms you up on chilly days.
Ingredients
- Sausage (your choice), sliced
- Pearl barley
- Carrots, diced
- Onion, chopped
- Celery, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Crushed tomatoes
- Thyme and rosemary
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Brown sausage in a large pot and remove.
- Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in the same pot until softened.
- Add barley, chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary.
- Return sausage to the pot, bring to a boil, then simmer until barley is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This stew offers a rich, comforting blend of flavors, ideal for a hearty dinner.
Barley and Beef Vegetable Soup
Barley and Beef Vegetable Soup is a nourishing meal featuring tender beef chunks, barley, and fresh vegetables cooked in a savory broth.
It’s a classic, wholesome soup perfect for any season.
Ingredients
- Beef stew meat, cubed
- Pearl barley
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Beef broth
- Bay leaves
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Brown beef in a pot and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add carrots, celery, barley, beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Return beef to the pot and simmer until beef and barley are tender.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
This soup is a wholesome, filling option rich in flavor and texture.
Barley and Spinach Soup
Barley and Spinach Soup is a nutritious, light soup featuring tender barley and fresh spinach in a savory vegetable broth.
This soup is quick to prepare and packed with vitamins and fiber.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Fresh spinach, chopped
- Carrots, diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable broth
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add carrots, barley, and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
- Simmer until barley is tender.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
This soup is fresh and wholesome, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Barley and Sausage Soup
Barley and Sausage Soup is a robust and flavorful meal that pairs savory sausage with hearty barley and fresh vegetables in a rich broth.
This soup offers a comforting and filling dish perfect for colder days.
Ingredients
- Sausage (Italian or your choice), sliced
- Pearl barley
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Crushed tomatoes
- Thyme and rosemary
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a large pot and set aside.
- Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add barley, chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary.
- Return sausage to the pot, bring to a boil, then simmer until barley is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This soup combines rich sausage flavors with wholesome barley for a satisfying and nourishing meal.
Barley and Vegetable Soup
Barley and Vegetable Soup is a light yet filling dish featuring pearl barley cooked with a medley of fresh vegetables in a savory broth.
This soup is ideal for those seeking a healthy and comforting meal.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Carrots, diced
- Zucchini, chopped
- Green beans, cut
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable broth
- Bay leaves
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add carrots, zucchini, green beans, barley, vegetable broth, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until barley and vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This vegetable-packed barley soup is nutritious and satisfying, perfect for any season.
Barley and Beef Soup
Barley and Beef Soup is a classic hearty soup featuring tender beef chunks, pearl barley, and a variety of vegetables simmered in a savory broth.
It’s a comforting and wholesome dish perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
- Beef stew meat, cubed
- Pearl barley
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Beef broth
- Bay leaves
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Brown the beef in a large pot and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add carrots, celery, barley, beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Return beef to the pot and simmer until beef and barley are tender.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
This soup is perfect for warming up and provides a nutritious, filling meal full of rich flavors.
Barley and Tomato Soup
Barley and Tomato Soup is a comforting and tangy soup combining chewy barley with ripe tomatoes and aromatic herbs.
This vibrant soup is hearty yet light, perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Basil and oregano
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add carrots and celery, cooking until softened.
- Stir in barley, tomatoes, broth, basil, oregano, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until barley is tender.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
This soup delivers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a nutritious and tasty choice for any meal.
Barley and Lentil Vegetable Soup
Barley and Lentil Vegetable Soup is a nourishing and fiber-rich dish that blends the nuttiness of barley with protein-packed lentils and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth.
It’s a perfect meal for vegetarians and anyone seeking a healthy option.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Brown or green lentils
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable broth
- Bay leaves
- Cumin and coriander
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add carrots, celery, barley, lentils, broth, bay leaves, cumin, and coriander.
- Bring to a boil and simmer until barley and lentils are tender.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
This soup offers a hearty and flavorful meal packed with nutrients and perfect for meal prep or a comforting dinner.
Barley and Mushroom Soup
Barley and Mushroom Soup is a savory and earthy soup combining the rich flavors of mushrooms with chewy barley and fresh herbs.
This vegetarian-friendly soup is both filling and delicious.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Carrots, diced
- Vegetable broth
- Thyme and bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms until softened.
- Add barley, vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until barley is tender and flavors meld.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
This soup is a wonderful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for a nourishing and cozy meal.
Barley and Sweet Potato Soup
Barley and Sweet Potato Soup is a comforting and slightly sweet soup that pairs tender sweet potatoes with hearty barley and aromatic herbs.
This nourishing soup is perfect for cooler days and provides a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Carrots, diced
- Vegetable broth
- Thyme
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add carrots, sweet potatoes, barley, vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until barley and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
This soup offers a warm, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor that’s both hearty and wholesome.
Barley and Kale Soup
Barley and Kale Soup is a nutritious and flavorful soup featuring hearty barley and nutrient-packed kale simmered in a savory broth.
This healthy and filling soup is great for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Fresh kale, chopped
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Thyme
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add carrots, celery, barley, broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until barley is tender.
- Stir in kale and cook until wilted and tender.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
This soup is a delicious way to enjoy greens and whole grains in a comforting meal.
Barley and Carrot Soup
Barley and Carrot Soup is a simple, wholesome soup that highlights the natural sweetness of carrots combined with chewy barley and savory herbs.
It’s an easy-to-make, comforting dish perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Carrots, diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable broth
- Bay leaves
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Add carrots, barley, vegetable broth, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until barley and carrots are tender.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This soup is light yet filling, delivering natural sweetness and wholesome flavors in every spoonful.
Barley and Zucchini Soup
Barley and Zucchini Soup is a light yet hearty dish that combines tender zucchini with chewy barley in a flavorful vegetable broth.
This soup is perfect for a healthy, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Zucchini, diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Vegetable broth
- Thyme
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add carrots, celery, barley, and vegetable broth along with thyme and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until barley is tender.
- Add zucchini and cook until tender but not mushy.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
This soup delivers a satisfying texture and fresh vegetable flavors, making it a nourishing option for any day.
Barley and Chickpea Soup
Barley and Chickpea Soup is a protein-rich, hearty soup that combines nutty barley with creamy chickpeas and vegetables in a spiced broth.
It’s a fulfilling and nutritious vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Cooked chickpeas
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable broth
- Cumin and coriander
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add carrots, celery, barley, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until barley is tender.
- Stir in chickpeas and cook until heated through.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
This soup combines wholesome ingredients for a satisfying and flavorful meal packed with protein and fiber.
Barley and Potato Soup
Barley and Potato Soup is a creamy, hearty soup that blends tender potatoes with chewy barley and savory herbs in a rich broth.
This soup is perfect for warming up and enjoying a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- Pearl barley
- Potatoes, peeled and diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Carrots, diced
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Thyme
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add carrots, potatoes, barley, broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until barley and potatoes are tender.
- Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
This comforting soup offers a creamy texture and hearty flavor perfect for any season.
Conclusion
Barley soups are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create hearty, nutritious, and deeply satisfying meals. The chewy texture of barley combined with fresh vegetables, savory meats, or legumes makes for soups that are both filling and flavorful. Exploring these 27+ barley soup recipes introduces you to a range of global-inspired flavors and comforting classics that highlight barley’s unique versatility. Incorporate these soups into your cooking routine to enjoy wholesome, budget-friendly meals that bring warmth and health benefits to your table. No matter your preference, barley soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.