A nourishing and flavorful soup perfect for a cozy dinner! This warm bowl is packed with the earthiness of mushrooms, the nuttiness of barley, and the refreshing zing of lime—all under 120 calories per serving!
Ingredients (1 Serving):
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 shallot or small spring onion, finely chopped
- 1/8 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp barley, soaked and half-cooked
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small piece of cinnamon
- 1 clove (the spice)
- A pinch of ginger powder (or a dash of fresh ginger)
- 1 tsp coriander leaves with stalks, chopped
- 1/2 tsp lime juice
- 1 tsp olive oil (optional for lower fat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Barley:
Soak the barley for 30 minutes, then drain. Boil 2 cups of water and add the barley, cooking for 8-10 minutes on medium heat until half-cooked. Strain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
In a non-stick pan, heat the olive oil (optional). Add chopped shallots (or spring onion), minced garlic, and a dash of ginger. Sauté on medium heat for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Mushrooms:
Toss in the sliced mushrooms and a pinch of pepper. Continue to sauté for 5 minutes, letting the mushrooms turn tender and release their earthy flavor.
- Simmer the Soup:
Add the vegetable broth and half-cooked barley to the pan. Drop in the cinnamon stick and clove. Let everything simmer over a low flame for 10 minutes or until the barley is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
- Finish with Freshness:
Turn off the heat, stir in the chopped coriander leaves and a splash of lime juice for a burst of freshness. Season with salt to taste.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
- Calories: 100-120 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 2g (with olive oil)
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: ~300mg (depends on broth)
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This simple yet wholesome soup is perfect for a light dinner or an appetizer that won’t weigh you down. The gentle spice of cinnamon and clove pairs beautifully with the earthy mushrooms and nutty barley, creating a bowl full of warmth and comfort.
