Skip to main content

Barley Lentil Soup

One-pot hearty and comforting soup that’s packed with veggies, herbs and grains!
Cooking for a Crowd

Cooking for a Crowd

Use these recipe sheets to prepare for larger groups:

Bowls of soup containing colorful vegetables, lentils and barley.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 and ½ hours
Makes: 10 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup sliced onion
1 cup sliced carrot
1 cup sliced celery
1 can (15 ounces) stewed or diced tomatoes, with juice
3 cups low-sodium broth, any type (see Notes)
3 cups water
1 cup dry lentils
⅔ cup pearl barley (see Notes)
½ teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a large sauce pan or soup pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and stir for about 1 minute. Add garlic and stir for another minute.
  3. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a light simmer. Place a lid on the pan.
  4. Cook until the barley and lentils are tender, about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Serve hot.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • No broth? Use 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon dissolved in 1 cup water for each cup of broth.
  • Use any fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables you have on hand.
  • No basil, oregano or thyme? Try chopped cilantro.
  • Pearl barley is high in fiber but is not a whole grain. If using whole grain barley (also called hulled barley), it may take longer for the barley to soften.
  • This recipe can be made in a 5-quart or larger slow cooker for extra convenience. Put all ingredients except the oil into the cooker, cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours. If possible, cook on HIGH for 30 to 60 minutes, then turn to LOW for 7 to 8 hours.

Comments

I made this as directed, omitting salt.  Fantastic. A keeper.

I made this soup for a tasting at a farmer's market and it got rave reviews. I also made it at home, and my adult son, who is a DIE HARD carnivore, loved it.  It's great when I can sneak in a vegetarian meal that is so tasty and filling. 

I made this barley lentil soup and added some quinoa and more veggies corn, potatoes, peas, green beans and zucchini. Delisioso!!!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

One-Pan Chicken Alfredo
Creamy pasta and broccoli in a skillet.

One-Pan Chicken Alfredo

A delicious one-pan pasta dish with the perfect blend of creamy cheese sauce, veggies and chicken.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
7 Cups
Parsnip Soup
Small bowls of smooth parsnip soup.

Parsnip Soup

A creamy and flavorful vegetable soup is perfect alongside a sandwich or salad for lunch, or on its own on a cold day.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
40 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Ants on a Log
Celery sticks spread with peanut butter and topped with raisins are displayed on a plate in a pinwheel formation. In the middle of the plate is a celery and peanut butter stick with mini pretzels extending out of the peanut butter like the wings of a butterfly.

Ants on a Log

Have some fun with this snack! Peanut butter, raisins and your imagination can be used to fill and decorate crunchy celery sticks.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 servings
Red Wine Vinaigrette
Jar of vinaigrette dressing served on a salad.

Red Wine Vinaigrette

A combination of Italian spices, bright vinegar, and tangy mustard make this a great dressing to use in a variety of dishes.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
½ cup
Fish Salad
Plates with cabbage and vegetables below a fish, ranch and salsa topping.

Fish Salad

Fresh combination of vegetables, fish fillet and creamy ranch.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Summer Cucumbers
Platter of seasoned cucumber and red onion slices.

Summer Cucumbers

A quick and simple side dish of crisp cucumber and onion with tangy red wine vinegar.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Was this page helpful to you?