Double Lentil and Mushroom Barley (Printer-Friendly)

Hearty lentil and mushroom soup with barley and greens for a filling, protein-packed meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Legumes & Grains

01 - ½ cup red lentils, rinsed
02 - ½ cup brown lentils, rinsed
03 - ¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed

→ Vegetables

04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 2 medium carrots, diced
08 - 2 celery stalks, diced
09 - 10 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
10 - 4 cups chopped collard greens

→ Liquids

11 - 8 cups vegetable broth
12 - 1 cup water

→ Herbs & Seasonings

13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 2 bay leaves
16 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
17 - ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional

# Method:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Add sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until softened and browned.
04 - Stir in red lentils, brown lentils, pearl barley, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaves.
05 - Pour in vegetable broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
06 - Cover pot and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Add chopped collard greens, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until barley and lentils are tender.
08 - Adjust seasoning to taste. Remove bay leaves. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Nutrient-Dense: Packed with 12g of protein and 44g of fiber-rich carbohydrates per serving.
  • Textural Variety: A mix of tender lentils, chewy barley, and hearty mushrooms.
  • Easy Preparation: A simple one-pot method that results in a complex, slow-cooked flavor.
02 -
  • Mushroom Prep: Sauté the mushrooms until they are well-browned; this step is crucial for developing deep umami flavors.
  • Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick upon standing (as the barley and lentils continue to absorb liquid), simply stir in a splash of water or broth when reheating.
  • Storage: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
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