There’s something incredibly comforting about opening a can of Progresso Vegetable Barley Soup on a busy day. It’s like a hug in a bowl—hearty, wholesome, and filled with the goodness of tender vegetables and soft, chewy barley.
I reach for it when I want something nourishing but don’t have time to cook from scratch. Whether I’m curled up on a chilly afternoon or need a quick and satisfying lunch between errands, this soup always hits the spot. It’s proof that convenience doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavor or quality.
How To Make Progresso Vegetable Barley Soup?
Recipe Time, Course, Cuisine, And Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Soup / Main
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Yield: 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- ½ cup pearl barley
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 cup chopped spinach or kale for added greens
Instructions
1. Sauté The Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Add The Vegetables
Incorporate the sliced carrots, chopped celery, and green beans into the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Introduce Tomatoes And Barley
Add the diced tomatoes and pearl barley to the pot, stirring to combine. Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
4. Season And Simmer
Sprinkle in the dried thyme and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Add Greens (Optional)
If using, stir in the chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Allow the greens to wilt and integrate into the soup.
Nutrition Facts of Progresso Vegetable Barley Soup
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions Of Progresso Vegetable Barley Soup
Crusty Bread: Pair with a slice of whole-grain or sourdough bread for a hearty meal.
Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
Grated Cheese: Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan or your favorite cheese for added richness.
Tips And Variations Of Progresso Vegetable Barley Soup
Protein Boost: Add cooked lentils or chickpeas for extra protein.
Spice It Up: Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Herb Variations: Experiment with herbs like basil or oregano to alter the flavor profile.
Grain Alternatives: Substitute barley with quinoa or brown rice for a different texture.
Note
While this homemade version is inspired by Progresso’s Light Savory Vegetable Barley Soup, it allows for personalization and the use of fresh ingredients. Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Conclusion
Crafting this vegetable barley soup at home brings warmth and nourishment to any meal. It’s a versatile dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prepping.
Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a light lunch, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Progresso Vegetable Barley Soup
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup diced tomatoes canned or fresh
- ½ cup pearl barley
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup chopped spinach or kale for added greens
Instructions
Sauté The Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add The Vegetables
- Incorporate the sliced carrots, chopped celery, and green beans into the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Introduce Tomatoes And Barley
- Add the diced tomatoes and pearl barley to the pot, stirring to combine. Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
Season And Simmer
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Add Greens (Optional)
- If using, stir in the chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Allow the greens to wilt and integrate into the soup.
Notes
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.