Cozy Slow Cooker Herbed Wild Mushroom Barley Soup Recipe

The aroma of Slow Cooker Herbed Wild Mushroom Barley Soup wafts through the air like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, wrapping you in warmth and comfort. Imagine a symphony of earthy mushrooms dancing with fragrant herbs, all mingling together in a hearty broth that beckons you to take just one more spoonful.

This delightful bowl of soup is not only a feast for the senses but also a heartwarming dish perfect for family gatherings or those quiet nights when the world outside feels a bit too chaotic. With each bite, you’ll be transported back to memories of childhood kitchens filled with laughter and the bubbling sounds of something delicious simmering away.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Herbed Wild Mushroom Barley Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Mixed Wild Mushrooms: Use a blend of fresh or dried wild mushrooms for depth of flavor; shiitake, cremini, and porcini are great choices.
• Pearl Barley: This nutty grain adds chewiness and heartiness to the soup; rinse it well before adding.
• Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels while still enhancing taste.
• Carrots: Diced carrots bring sweetness and color; choose firm ones for the best texture.
• Onions: Chopped onions provide savory undertones; yellow onions work perfectly here.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the soup with aromatic flavor; don’t skimp on it.
• Fresh Thyme: This herb adds an uplifting earthiness; use fresh if possible for maximum flavor.
• Dried Oregano: A pinch adds complexity to the overall taste profile; it’s an essential herb in this recipe.
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper enhances all the flavors; season according to your taste preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Slow Cooker Herbed Wild Mushroom Barley Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by washing and chopping your vegetables. Dice the mixed wild mushrooms and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onions and mince the garlic. Prepping ahead makes everything smoother.

Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker, add the prepared mushrooms, carrots, onions, garlic, pearl barley, thyme, oregano, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients together.

Step 3: Add Liquid

Pour in the vegetable broth until everything is submerged. Give it another gentle stir—this is where the magic begins!

Step 4: Set It and Forget It

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about six hours or high for three hours. Go binge-watch your favorite show or take that much-needed nap while your soup cooks itself!

Step 5: Taste Test

After cooking time is up, taste your soup! Adjust seasoning as necessary—perhaps you want more pepper or thyme? This is your moment!

Step 6: Serve Up

Ladle your herbed wild mushroom barley soup into bowls. You can garnish with additional fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy! Pair it with crusty bread for an unforgettable dining experience.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every soul-warming spoonful of this delightful soup that feels like a big hug in a bowl!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a skillet for added depth of flavor. Next, add your wild mushrooms and sear them briefly. Transfer everything to the slow cooker, add barley, broth, herbs, and let it simmer away for hours.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the barley for quinoa or use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegan option. Toss in some kale or spinach right before serving for an extra pop of color and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

When I first made this soup for my family, they were skeptical after seeing all those mushrooms. But one taste had them asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds! It’s become our go-to comfort food, especially on rainy days.

FAQs :

What are the main ingredients in Slow Cooker Herbed Wild Mushroom Barley Soup?

The main ingredients for Slow Cooker Herbed Wild Mushroom Barley Soup include a mix of wild mushrooms, pearl barley, vegetable broth, and fresh herbs. You will also need onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to add depth of flavor. These ingredients combine beautifully to create a hearty and nutritious soup. Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms or herbs to suit your taste preferences.

Can I make Slow Cooker Herbed Wild Mushroom Barley Soup vegan?

Absolutely! Slow Cooker Herbed Wild Mushroom Barley Soup is easily adaptable for a vegan diet. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure that all your other ingredients are plant-based. This soup is naturally rich in flavors due to the mushrooms and herbs, making it a perfect option for vegans seeking comfort food.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Herbed Wild Mushroom Barley Soup?

Cooking Slow Cooker Herbed Wild Mushroom Barley Soup typically takes about 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high heat. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring that the barley becomes tender. Always check the consistency and taste before serving, as slow cookers can vary slightly in performance.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Herbed Wild Mushroom Barley Soup?

Yes, you can freeze Slow Cooker Herbed Wild Mushroom Barley Soup! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove until warmed through. This makes it a convenient meal option for busy days.

Conclusion for Slow Cooker Herbed Wild Mushroom Barley Soup :

In summary, Slow Cooker Herbed Wild Mushroom Barley Soup is a nourishing dish that combines wholesome ingredients like wild mushrooms and barley with aromatic herbs. This recipe not only offers ease of preparation but also delivers incredible flavors that develop during slow cooking. Whether you choose to serve it fresh or freeze leftovers for later, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings while providing essential nutrients. Enjoy this comforting bowl any day of the week!

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Slow Cooker Herbed Wild Mushroom Barley Soup

• Author: Camiliya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours on low / 3 hours on high
• Total Time: 1 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 bowls 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Experience the warmth of Slow Cooker Herbed Wild Mushroom Barley Soup, a nourishing blend of earthy mushrooms and aromatic herbs, perfect for cozy evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups mixed wild mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, porcini)
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and chop the vegetables: dice the mushrooms and carrots, chop the onions, and mince the garlic.
2. Combine in Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, add the mixed wild mushrooms, diced carrots, chopped onions, minced garlic, pearl barley, thyme, oregano, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
3. Add Liquid: Pour in the vegetable broth until all ingredients are submerged. Stir again to mix everything well.
4. Set It and Forget It: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for about 6 hours or high for about 3 hours.
5. Taste Test: Once cooking time is up, taste your soup and adjust seasoning with additional pepper or thyme as desired.
6. Serve Up: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For added depth of flavor, sauté onions and garlic before adding to the slow cooker. Feel free to swap pearl barley for quinoa or add leafy greens like spinach or kale right before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days; reheat on low heat with a splash of broth if needed.