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    Home » Dinner

    Instant Pot Vegetable Barley Soup [+ Stove, Crockpot]

    May 18, 2022 · 37 Comments

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    This homemade vegetable barley soup is thick, hearty, wholesome, comforting, and packed with veggies in a simple but flavorful broth. Plus, this 25-minute Instant Pot barley soup provides tons of body in a fraction of the time (stove and crockpot methods also included)!

    completed Instant Pot Vegetable Barley Soup in a white bowl against a white background with a pressure cooker in the background

    Vegetarian Barley Soup (Instant Pot, Crockpot, Or Stovetop)

    Traditionally barley vegetable soup is made with beef and a meaty stock, but it definitely doesn’t have to be to make a delicious and nutritious meal. By jam-packing it with veggies and a veggie-broth base, this plant-based vegetarian barley soup is healthy, hearty, comforting, and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

    I love soups mixed with color, texture, and flavor, especially when it means plenty of macro and micronutrients while tasting delicious (like this Instant Pot navy bean soup). It’s also a super stick-to-your-ribs kind of filling!

    Did I mention this Instant Pot barley soup is budget-friendly and super versatile, too? Mix and match the grain and veggies based on what you have in your fridge and pantry (or garden!).

    I’ve included three methods to prepare this vegetable soup with barley. Instant Pot barley soup is my go-to; you get all the flavor in a fraction of the time and with no hovering or stirring. Just chuck everything in the pot and walk away. However, I’ve also included stovetop and crock pot (slow cooker) vegetable barley soup methods, too!

    The Ingredients

    The ingredients for this vegetarian barley soup recipe are budget-friendly, primarily pantry staples, and fairly versatile!

    ingredients for Instant Pot Vegetable Barley Soup measured out against a white background
    • Barley: You’ll need pearl barley rather than hulled barley for this vegetable barley soup recipe, as they both have vastly different cooking times. Wild rice/brown rice or quinoa could work if you need a gluten-free option.

    What Is Barley?

    Barley is a cereal grain that’s short, chewy, and tender once cooked. There are two main types; hulled barley (considered a whole grain) or pearl barley (removed husk and some or all of the bran layer). The latter loses out on some nutrients but takes a lot less time to cook.

    This grain is rich in fiber and several micronutrients and is perfect for salads, soups, stews, pilafs, etc. However, note that it isn’t gluten-free!

    • Potato: I recommend using russet potatoes. No need to peel unless preferred. Sweet potato would also work.
    • Mire Poix: This classic soup trio of onion, carrot, and celery stalks will add depth to this veggie barley soup.
    • Other veggies: Frozen veggies make an easy addition to this barley soup. This time, I added frozen broccoli and spinach.
    • Tofu: I’ve added extra-firm, diced tofu to this vegan barley soup for protein. However, if preferred, omit it or swap it with your protein of choice.
    • Garlic: Adjust the amount to taste. Use garlic powder in a pinch.
    • Herbs: Dried thyme and bay leaves are all you need to pack in a ton of flavor.
    • Smoked paprika: For a hint of smokiness in the vegan barley soup.
    • Veg bouillon: You can use either bouillon cubes or paste with water or pre-prepared vegetable broth. Use low sodium options if preferred.
    • Lime juice: Use fresh lime juice (or lemon juice) to add depth and brightness to the soup before serving.
    • Salt & black pepper: Season to taste.

    You can also optionally add some minced cilantro (or parsley) and/or hot sauce for garnish.

    Optional add-ins & Recipe Variations

    This recipe is fairly versatile. Here are a few simple add-ins and recipe adaptions you might enjoy.

    • Other vegetables: One of the best ways to adapt this vegetarian barley soup recipe is by mixing and matching whatever veggies you have in your crisper drawer and pantry. A few options include:
      • Mushrooms (sauteed at the beginning)
      • Cabbage
      • Beans or lentils
      • Green beans
      • Bell pepper
      • Peas
      • Corn
      • Zucchini
      • Cauliflower
      • Butternut squash/pumpkin
    • Red pepper flakes: For a bit of a kick. Chili or cayenne powder would also work.
    • Tomatoes: Many vegetarian barley soup recipes have a tomatoey base, so add a can of chopped tomatoes (or regular chopped tomatoes during tomato season) for that flavor profile.
    • Herbs: Add extra flavor with basil, oregano, a bay leaf, and/or Italian seasoning/ Herbes de Provence.
    • Pulses: White beans, chickpeas, black beans, or even lentils could work in this vegetarian barley soup.
    • Miso paste: For added umami and depth. White or brown miso will work.
    • Nutritional yeast: This will add a nutty, 'cheesy' depth. Add to taste. I usually like to sprinkle it on at the end as a garnish.
    • Vegan butter: For added richness, stir in a small amount of vegan butter.

    How to Make Vegetable Barley Soup?

    When a recipe like this Instant Pot barley soup with vegetables comprises just 5 simple steps, it’s already a winner in my eyes.

    • 1) First, prepare all the ingredients. Start by rinsing and finely dicing the onion and potato, then slicing the carrot and celery. Then mince the garlic and drain and dice the extra-firm tofu. You could also juice the lime now, too.
    • 2) Then, in a pressure cooker that’s at-least 6-quarts, add the barley, onion, garlic, potatoes, celery, carrot, water, and crushed bouillon cubes.
    process of adding barley to instant pot
    process of adding onion to instant pot
    process shot showing the addition of garlic to instant pot
    process shot of potatoes being added to instant pot
    process shot of celery being added to instant pot
    process shot of carrots being added to instant pot
    process shot of vegetable bouillon being added to instant pot

    For more depth of flavor, start by using the sauté function with the vegetables (onion, celery, carrot, potato, and garlic) with a swirl of oil or vegetable stock until lightly browned.

    • 3) Fasten the lid and set the pressure cooker on manual HIGH for 20 minutes.
    display screen of instant pot settings for Instant Pot Vegetable Barley Soup
    • 4) When ready, carefully release the quick-release valve and add the frozen broccoli, spinach, tofu, lime juice, and pepper, and stir.
    process shot of adding broccoli to instant pot
    process shot of spinach being added to instant pot
    process shot of tofu being added to instant pot
    process shot of lime juice being added to instant pot
    process shot of salt and pepper being added to instant pot

    The residual heat should be enough to finish cooking the frozen veg when making Instant Pot barley soup. Replace the lid for 2-3 minutes to help the process. If you find it lacking in flavor, you can also add another bouillon cube at this point.

    • 5) Finally, serve the vegetable barley soup optionally with a drizzle of hot sauce and a sprinkle of cilantro or parsley.

    Stovetop Vegetarian Barley Soup

    If your house is gadget-free, then this stovetop vegan barley soup is still wonderfully simple, and the low and slow simmer means you only need to stir it occasionally. However, it takes longer than the Instant Pot barley soup.

    1. In a large Dutch oven or thick-based soup pot, add a swirl of olive oil (or veg broth) and heat over medium heat.
    2. Once hot, add the onion, carrot, and celery and cook for a few minutes until they soften and brown (4-5 minutes). Then add the garlic and sauté for a minute, stirring often.
    3. Then, add the barley, potatoes, water, and crushed bouillon cubes and mix well. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
    4. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables and barley are tender, stirring occasionally. Then, add the frozen broccoli, spinach, and tofu and cook until softened. Finally, add the lime juice and black pepper. Taste and adjust any of the seasonings, adding more bouillon if desired.

    Then serve it up, optionally garnished with a drizzle of hot sauce and sprinkle of cilantro or parsley.

    Crock Pot Vegetable Barley Soup

    Slow cooker vegetarian barley soup is great for those who want to ‘set-and-forget’ and leave it doing its thing all day, making the house smell amazing, and being ready just in time for dinner!

    1. For the most flavor, I first recommend sauteing the mirepoix and garlic in a skillet for a few minutes until lightly softened and browning.
    2. Then transfer them, along with everything else (except the frozen broccoli and spinach, tofu, and lime juice) to the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 8-9 hours, adding the rest of the ingredients in the last 20-30 minutes.
    completed Instant Pot Vegetable Barley Soup in a white bowl against a white background with a pressure cooker in the background

    FAQs

    Can I freeze barley soup?

    Barley soup freezes very well. I like to freeze soup in portions (easier for defrosting as needed). You can store the vegetable barley soup in a silicone muffin mold, Ziplock bags, or jars (with ½-inch headspace). Freeze for 2 months. Allow a portion to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

    Could I use hulled barley?

    While it’s possible to use hulled barley, it’s a whole grain, so it takes much longer to cook. So if you wish to use it, I recommend par-cooking the grain first until it requires around the same time as pearled barley, then continue with the recipe. Otherwise, it will take much longer to cook than the vegetables.

    Is barley gluten-free?

    Unfortunately not. If you want to make a gluten-free version of this soup, you could replace it with rice or quinoa.

    Can I substitute the barley?

    Yes, this vegan barley soup would work with several other types of grain, such as bulgur wheat, farro, millet, quinoa, etc. It may also work with small pasta shapes and orzo. Just note that the cooking time will vary based on which you use.

    Top Recipe Tips and Notes

    • Use good quality bouillon/broth: It packs in a ton of flavor into this simple vegan barley soup, so make sure you use one with a full-bodied flavor.
    • For a thinner soup: Add some extra vegetable broth at the end, based on how brothy you’d prefer the vegetarian barley soup.
    • For more flavor: Sauté the garlic and vegetables until softened and lightly browned before cooking them.
    • Time-saving time: A food chopper is a great way to get the veggies sliced and diced in no time at all! If you aren’t worried about even pieces, a food processor could even be used—though I’m not as much of a fan there as the veggies will cook at different rates.
    • To avoid thickening soup: Cook the barley separately and add it to the soup when serving. That way, it won’t soak up the broth.

    Serving Recommendations

    Enjoy a big bowl of this barley soup with vegetables alone or with one of several sides, such as:

    • Bread or garlic bread for dipping
    • Cornbread
    • Naan or another flatbread
    • A sandwich
    • Vegan grilled cheese
    • A simple side salad like a garden salad, chopped salad, or kale salad
    two bowls of completed Instant Pot Vegetable Barley Soup in a white bowl against a white background with an instant pot in the background

    Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

    Make ahead: You can rinse and chop the various vegetables 2-3 days in advance and store them separately in containers in the refrigerator.

    More so, most soups taste better on day two, so I always recommend making enough for plenty of leftovers (or making it a day in advance).

    Store: Allow the vegetarian barley soup to cool and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

    Reheat: Use either the stovetop or microwave to reheat the soup until warm. Add a splash of additional water or stock if the soup has thickened.

    Note that, like pasta soups, the barley tends to soak up the broth more as it sits and becomes softer. So feel free to add a little more broth if needed. You could also cook and store the grain separately if preferred.

    If you try this meat-free vegetable barley soup recipe, I’d love to know what you think in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

    Photos by Alfonso Revilla

    completed Instant Pot Vegetable Barley Soup in a white bowl against a white background

    Instant Pot Vegetable Barley Soup [+ Stove, Crockpot]

    This homemade vegetable barley soup is thick, hearty, wholesome, comforting, and packed with veggies in a simple but flavorful broth. Plus, this 25 minute Instant Pot barley soup provides tons of body in a fraction of the time.
    5 from 27 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Main Course, Soup
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 359 kcal

    Equipment

    • pressure cooker
    • measuring cups
    • knife set
    • cutting board

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cup of pearl barley
    • 1 small yellow onion, diced
    • 4 garlic cloves, minced
    • 3 small russet potatoes, chopped
    • 4 ribs of celery, sliced
    • 3 carrots, diced
    • 7 cups of water
    • 4 to 5 vegetable bouillon cubes or paste equivalent
    • 2 cups of frozen broccoli
    • 1 cup of frozen spinach
    • 1 (~16-ounce) package of extra firm tofu, diced
    • Juice of ½ of a lime
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • Hot sauce, optional
    • Minced cilantro, for garnish, optional

    Instructions
     

    • In a pressure cooker that’s at least 6-quarts, add the barley, onion, garlic, potatoes, celery, carrots, water, and bouillon. Try with 4 cubes first, and if you need more flavor, add another when everything is finished cooking.
    • Put the lid on the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
    • When it’s finished, do a quick release and stir in the frozen broccoli, spinach, tofu, lime juice (if using), and pepper. Check to see if it needs more flavor and if so, stir in the other bouillon cube.
    • Serve and drizzle with hot sauce (if using). Sprinkle on cilantro (if using).

    Notes

    • Use good quality bouillon/broth: It packs in a ton of flavor into this simple vegan barley soup with vegetables, so make sure you use one with a full-bodied flavor.
    • For a thinner soup: Add some extra vegetable broth at the end, based on how brothy you’d prefer the vegetarian barley soup.
    • For more flavor: Sauté the garlic and vegetables until softened and lightly browned before cooking them.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 359kcalCarbohydrates: 66gProtein: 17gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 836mgPotassium: 1189mgFiber: 11gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 8644IUVitamin C: 57mgCalcium: 131mgIron: 4mg
    Keyword barley, crockpot, hearty, homemade sauce, instant pot, instant pot recipes, meatless, pressure cooker, vegan, vegetable soup, vegetarian recipes, veggies, wholesome recipes
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @foodsharingvegan on Instagram!

    Disclaimer: Although foodsharingvegan.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Foodsharingvegan.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

    More Dinner

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Andrea says

      May 18, 2022 at 10:39 pm

      5 stars
      Such a tasty and wholesome soup!

      Reply
    2. Oscar says

      May 19, 2022 at 1:15 am

      5 stars
      Such a comforting soup. My whole family was under the weather and I made this recipe, everyone enjoyed it and asked for seconds. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 19, 2022 at 2:30 am

        That's so awesome to hear! It's a great one for those sick days!

        Reply
    3. Gabriela Herrera says

      May 19, 2022 at 2:48 am

      5 stars
      I love these veggie dense soups. What an absolute heartwarming dish.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 20, 2022 at 3:48 am

        Love a good wholesome soup!

        Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 21, 2022 at 2:27 am

        Nothing like soup to cozy up too!

        Reply
    4. Alexandra says

      May 19, 2022 at 3:38 am

      5 stars
      So delicious and nutritious - this is such a comforting and flavoursome bowl of soup!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 21, 2022 at 2:27 am

        Hits the spot every time!

        Reply
    5. Megan says

      May 19, 2022 at 6:49 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious! So easy to make and I feel so healthy just looking at it 🤣. Great soup recipe thanks so much.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 21, 2022 at 2:28 am

        Healthy soups that taste delicious are the best!

        Reply
    6. Natalie says

      May 19, 2022 at 8:38 am

      5 stars
      Me and my dad can't go a day without soup. We loved it, thanks!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 21, 2022 at 2:28 am

        Love that! I'll have to whip this one up for my dad to try too!

        Reply
    7. Kayla DiMaggio says

      May 19, 2022 at 1:44 pm

      5 stars
      This vegetable barley soup was so delicious! I loved how hearty it was!

      Reply
    8. Nora says

      May 19, 2022 at 6:03 pm

      5 stars
      Such a wonderful soup! The crowd loved it! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    9. Teodora says

      May 19, 2022 at 8:36 pm

      5 stars
      Healthy and filling!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 21, 2022 at 2:28 am

        Definitely! So so good!

        Reply
    10. nancy says

      May 19, 2022 at 10:15 pm

      5 stars
      love this wholesome and tasty recipe

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 21, 2022 at 2:29 am

        Agreed! So so wholesome!

        Reply
    11. kate says

      May 19, 2022 at 11:15 pm

      5 stars
      perfect easy weeknight meal. So healthy too

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 21, 2022 at 2:30 am

        Definitely a great option for weekend prep to have delicious soup throughout the week!

        Reply
    12. Genevieve says

      May 19, 2022 at 11:56 pm

      5 stars
      What a heart and filling soup recipe that's perfect for warmer weather! Love how colorful and fresh this soup is too!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 20, 2022 at 3:48 am

        It'll definitely warm the soup!

        Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 21, 2022 at 2:30 am

        The various colors definitely make it even more appetizing!

        Reply
    13. Samantha Ferraro says

      May 20, 2022 at 2:32 am

      Absolutely delicious!! The frozen broccoli made this even easier! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 20, 2022 at 3:49 am

        The easier the better!

        Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 21, 2022 at 2:30 am

        Nothing like an easy soup to enjoy!

        Reply
    14. Jacqui says

      May 20, 2022 at 3:13 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious, easy to follow and super comforting recipe!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 21, 2022 at 2:31 am

        Love a good cozy soup!

        Reply
    15. Tina says

      May 20, 2022 at 4:57 pm

      5 stars
      Love that this yummy soup can be made in the Instant Pot!

      Reply
    16. Amanda says

      May 22, 2022 at 4:49 am

      5 stars
      I love using my Instant Pot to make soups! What a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        May 30, 2022 at 2:17 am

        They come out so good in the IP!

        Reply
    17. Gina H. says

      June 03, 2022 at 3:39 pm

      5 stars
      A wonderful warm and cozy soup for chilly days or anytime you feel under the weather. Delicious!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 06, 2022 at 9:12 pm

        Yesss! It'll warm you up in an instant 🙂

        Reply
    18. Janaye says

      June 07, 2022 at 11:33 pm

      5 stars
      I was looking for a new soup recipe to try, I will test this one out!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 15, 2022 at 4:23 am

        Let us know what you think 🙂

        Reply
    19. Lisa says

      September 26, 2022 at 11:47 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious. I’ve made it many times since finding the recipe. It’s a definite favorite!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        October 02, 2022 at 11:20 pm

        So glad you're enjoying the soup! It's such a wholesome dinner!

        Reply

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