Barley soup with chickpeas, mushrooms, and crispy bacon

Name: Barley soup with chickpeas, mushrooms, and crispy bacon - Nidia B.
Ingredients: 1 cup barley; 1 cup chickpeas; 150 g sliced bacon; 150 g mushrooms; 2 carrots; 1.5 l water; salt; mosaic pepper; 2 sprigs of thyme

Savory - Barley soup with chickpeas, mushrooms, and crispy bacon by Nidia B. - Recipia

Barley soup with chickpeas and caramelized mushrooms, garnished with crispy bacon Barley soup is a traditional recipe that offers comfort and warmth on cool autumn days. This nourishing soup combines the pleasant texture of barley with the protein from chickpeas and the delicious flavor of mushrooms, all enriched by the savory taste of crispy bacon. Over time, various cultures have embraced cereal and legume ingredients in soups, transforming them into nutritious and comforting dishes. Here’s how you can prepare this simple and delicious recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Total time: 55 minutes Number of servings: 4 Ingredients: - 1 cup barley (approximately 200 g) - 1 cup chickpeas (approximately 200 g, dried or canned) - 150 g sliced bacon - 150 g mushrooms (preferably champignon or oyster) - 2 medium carrots - 1.5 l water - Salt, to taste - Mixed pepper, to taste - 2 sprigs fresh thyme Preparation of barley, chickpea, and mushroom soup: 1. Preparing the ingredients Start by rinsing the barley and chickpeas well. If using dried chickpeas, it is recommended to soak them in cold water for 8 hours or overnight. This step helps reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. 2. Cooking the chickpeas and barley Place the barley and chickpeas in a large pot with salted water (about 1 teaspoon of salt per 1.5 liters of water). Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. During this time, don’t forget to remove the foam that forms on the surface. 3. Adding the vegetables Once the barley and chickpeas start to boil, add the finely chopped carrots. They will add a sweet note and a pleasant texture to your soup. Let everything simmer on low heat for another 20 minutes, until the barley and chickpeas are soft but not mushy. 4. Preparing the bacon In a non-stick skillet, add the bacon slices and fry them over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel to eliminate excess fat. 5. Cooking the mushrooms In the same skillet, use the remaining bacon fat to sauté the mushrooms, adding seasonings such as salt and pepper. They will absorb the delicious flavors of the bacon, becoming a perfect garnish for your soup. Cook the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until golden and tender. 6. Finalizing the soup When the barley and chickpeas are ready, add the sautéed mushrooms and bacon strips to the pot. Mix well and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. Finally, add chopped fresh thyme, which will add a fresh and savory aroma. 7. Serving This barley soup is wonderful served hot, straight from the pot. You can sprinkle it with some toasted bread croutons or a few slices of crispy bacon on top for added texture. You can also accompany it with a fresh green salad to complete the meal. Helpful tips: - If you want to add extra flavor, you can use homemade vegetable broth instead of water. - For a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the mushrooms. - Substitute mushrooms with other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to vary the recipe. Nutritional benefits: This soup is rich in protein due to the chickpeas, while the barley provides complex carbohydrates that offer long-lasting energy. Carrots add essential vitamins, and mushrooms contribute antioxidants. A serving of soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of bacon used. Frequently asked questions: - Can I use canned chickpeas? Yes, but make sure to rinse them well before use and add them closer to the end of cooking to avoid them breaking apart. - What other spices can I add? You can experiment with smoked paprika, garlic, or herbs de Provence to customize the flavor of your soup. This barley soup is not just a delicious recipe, but also a warm experience, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy every spoonful and savor the comfort it brings! Bon appétit!

Category: Savory Author: Nidia B. Views: 1 Date: 03.10.2024

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