Barley is not only delicious but adds an excellent source of soluble fiber which reduces blood cholesterol levels. This soup is great with cornbread (recipe link included). Soup recipe adapted from Dr. Neal Barnard of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
Place all ingredients EXCEPT PASTA in a large soup pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer until barley is tender and the broth is creamy about 1-1/4 hours.
To make this in a crockpot, simply add all ingredients except pasta to a large cooker and allow to cook on low for 4-5 hours. Then, follow the last 3 steps of the recipe.
Add the whole grain pasta of your choice and allow to cook an additional 15 minutes.
The longer you cook this thick and hearty soup, the creamier and richer tasting it becomes.
Serve hot. We like ours with cornbread.
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Notes
Key healthy barley benefits
Consuming barley might have benefits for the heart, blood pressure, and bones
Barley may be useful in maintaining a healthy weight
Barley provides a high percentage of an individual’s daily requirement of manganese and selenium
Thanks to barley’s versatility, it is easy to incorporate into meals