This Hearty Barley Turkey Soup is warm and filling, perfect for chilly days! It’s packed with tasty turkey, healthy veggies, and chewy barley that adds a lovely texture.
Making this soup is like getting a hug in a bowl. I love how easy it is to throw everything in and let it simmer while I kick back! You can enjoy it with some crusty bread too! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: Cooked turkey is essential here, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers. If you don’t have turkey, rotisserie chicken or even cooked chicken breast works well. Just shred or chop it up, and you’re good to go!
Barley: Pearl barley gives a nice chewiness to the soup. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try quinoa or rice instead, but note that cooking times might vary.
Broth: Using turkey broth really enhances the turkey flavor, but chicken broth is a fine substitute. For a vegetarian option, go for vegetable broth and skip the meat!
Vegetables: This soup is versatile! You can add diced potatoes or use frozen mixed vegetables instead of the carrots and celery. Just keep your personal favorites in mind.
How Do I Make My Soup Extra Flavorful?
To take your soup to the next level, start by sautéing your vegetables properly. This step is important! Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil in your pot, then add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until they’re just softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic last to prevent burning—garlic cooks quickly and gets bitter if overcooked. Just one minute is enough!
Also, let the soup simmer with the lid off. This allows the flavors to concentrate and the broth to reduce nicely! Finally, always taste before serving. Adjust with salt and pepper to suit your taste!
Hearty Barley Turkey Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked turkey meat, shredded or chopped
- 3/4 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley, plus extra fresh parsley for garnish
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary or sage for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 40 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’re looking at about 55 minutes from start to finish. It’s an easy and nourishing meal that’s perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften up and the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add Garlic:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute, just until you can smell its delicious aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter!
3. Pour the Broth:
Time to add the broth! Pour in 6 cups of turkey or chicken broth and bring the whole mixture to a gentle boil. This will give your soup a fantastic base!
4. Add Barley and Herbs:
Next, sprinkle in the rinsed pearl barley, bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried parsley. If you’d like a little more flavor, consider adding the optional rosemary or sage. Give it all a good stir!
5. Simmer Away:
Reduce the heat, so it’s just simmering, and leave it uncovered. Let the soup cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender and chewy. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom!
6. Stir in the Turkey:
Once the barley is ready, it’s time to add the cooked turkey meat. Stir it in and let it simmer gently for another 5-10 minutes, just to warm everything through.
7. Season it Up:
Taste the soup and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the comforting soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley leaves. Enjoy your warm, hearty bowl of Hearty Barley Turkey Soup!
This soup is perfect for cozy nights, and you can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy! 🥣
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! If you don’t have turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken or even leftover chicken breast work wonderfully. Just make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the soup!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Can I Freeze the Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Can I Substitute the Barley?
If you don’t have barley or want a gluten-free option, you can use quinoa, brown rice, or even lentils. Just keep in mind that cooking times will differ, so adjust accordingly!