Vegan Beef Barley Soup Recipe
This hearty and comforting Vegan Beef Barley Soup is packed with nutritious barley, savory vegan beef crumbles, and an aromatic blend of vegetables and herbs. Perfect for chilly days, this plant-based soup delivers warmth and rich flavor with every spoonful, making it a delicious, healthy meal option.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
- 2 cups vegan beef crumbles (or diced mushrooms)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop the onion, dice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside for cooking.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add vegetables and herbs: Stir in the diced carrots and celery along with the dried thyme and rosemary. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Cook vegan beef crumbles: Add the 2 cups of vegan beef crumbles (or mushrooms) to the pot, stirring well to combine them with the vegetables and herbs. Cook for 5 minutes to begin browning.
- Add liquids and barley: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, 3 cups water, and 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari. Stir in the pearl barley. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Finish and serve: Check seasoning and adjust salt or soy sauce if needed. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh parsley if using. Serve hot for a nourishing and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Pearl barley can be substituted with hulled barley, but cooking time may vary.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tamari and substitute barley with brown rice or quinoa.
- Vegan beef crumbles can be replaced with diced mushrooms or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
- Adjust herbs according to taste; fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Keywords: vegan soup, barley soup, beef substitute, plant-based, hearty soup, vegan beef crumbles, vegetable broth soup, healthy dinner