Nutty Jamie Oliver Pearl Barley Soup Recipe for Meals

Pearl barley soup emerges as a comforting culinary treasure that hugs your taste buds with warm, hearty goodness.

Rustic kernels swim alongside crisp vegetables, weaving a tapestry of robust flavors and nourishing textures.

Mediterranean herbs whisper subtle complexity into each steaming spoonful.

Nutrient-dense ingredients blend harmoniously, creating a meal that feeds both body and spirit.

Home cooks adore how effortlessly this soup transforms simple components into a luxurious dining experience.

Seasonal vegetables and aromatic spices elevate the humble barley into a gourmet delight.

One taste will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with love and traditional cooking wisdom.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 4

Key Ingredients in Jamie Oliver Pearl Barley Soup

• Chorizo: Select a high-quality, spicy Spanish sausage with rich smoky undertones.
• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin for deeper, more robust flavor profile.
• Onions: Pick firm, glossy onions without soft spots or sprouting.
• Carrots: Select bright orange, crisp carrots with smooth skin.
• Celery: Look for bright green stalks that feel heavy and firm.

• Bay Leaves: Seek whole, fragrant leaves with vibrant green color.
• Pearl Barley: Choose plump, uniform kernels without dust or breakage.

• Whole Tomatoes: Pick ripe, deep red tomatoes with minimal blemishes.
• Chicken Stock or Vegetable Stock: Select low-sodium versions for better flavor control.
• Cabbage: Find dense, compact heads with tight, crisp leaves.
• Kale: Select dark green leaves without yellowing or wilting.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for clean, pure seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Grind fresh peppercorns for maximum aromatic impact.

Utensils to Prepare Jamie Oliver Pearl Barley Soup

• Large Pan: Wide, deep cooking vessel for sautéing and simmering ingredients evenly.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and chorizo safely.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching pan surface.
• Measuring Jug: Essential for accurately pouring 1.8 liters of stock.
• Hand Blender: Compact tool for creating creamy texture by pureeing soup section.
• Ladle: Helpful for serving soup into individual bowls smoothly.

Cooking Jamie Oliver Pearl Barley Soup: A Quick Guide

• Launch Flavor Foundation

Sizzle chorizo in a large pan with olive oil until its rich essence permeates the kitchen. Tumble in a medley of onions, carrots, and celery, stirring and coaxing their flavors to dance and deepen for about 10 minutes.

• Blend Herbs and Grains

Introduce bay leaves and pearl barley, stirring to ensure each grain soaks up the savory chorizo-vegetable essence. Let the ingredients mingle and whisper their delicious secrets.

• Create Liquid Symphony

Crush ripe tomatoes directly into the pan, then flood with stock. Bring the mixture to a boisterous boil, stirring occasionally to encourage flavor integration.

• Craft Simmering Magic

Lower the heat and let the soup gently bubble, transforming barley into tender morsels while flavors weave together seamlessly for about 40 minutes.

• Finalize Flavor Profile

Fold in cabbage and kale, then use a hand blender to create a velvety corner of creaminess. Season with salt and pepper, allowing a final 5-minute simmer to seal the culinary harmony.

Modify and Enhance Jamie Oliver Pearl Barley Soup

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Experiment with different types of chorizo like spicy Spanish or mild Portuguese varieties to create unique taste profiles in each batch of soup.
• Customize Greens Selection: Swap kale and cabbage with Swiss chard, spinach, or mustard greens for varied nutritional benefits and exciting texture variations.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This hearty soup tastes even better the next day as ingredients continue to develop deeper, richer flavors when refrigerated overnight. Simply reheat gently and enjoy.
• Quick Protein Boost: Enhance the soup by adding cooked shredded chicken, white beans, or diced ham during the final simmering stage for extra protein and substance.

Presentation Tips for Jamie Oliver Pearl Barley Soup

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve this hearty soup alongside thick slices of rustic sourdough or warm baguette to soak up the rich, flavorful broth.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish each bowl with chopped parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of fresh thyme to add brightness and extra aroma.
• Create a Complete Meal: Complement the soup with a simple green salad dressed in light vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables for a satisfying and nutritious dinner.
• Add Cheese Finish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on top to enhance the soup's depth and provide a creamy, tangy contrast to the chorizo and vegetable base.

Jamie Oliver Pearl Barley Soup: Prep and Store Instructions

• Preserve Freshness: Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers, ensuring a tight seal to maintain flavor integrity and prevent contamination.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping the soup's robust taste and nutritional value intact without compromising quality.
• Freeze for Later: Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight room for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months, providing a convenient meal solution for busy days.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stovetop. Stir occasionally to restore original texture and prevent scorching, adding a splash of stock if needed to maintain perfect consistency.

Hearty Jamie Oliver Pearl Barley Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Jamie oliver’s pearl barley soup brings hearty comfort to winter meals with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Rustic vegetables and creamy textures create a nourishing bowl of warmth you’ll savor until the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 1.8 liters (7.6 cups) stock (veggie, chicken, or water)
• 200 g (7.1 oz) pearl barley
• 150 g (5.3 oz) chorizo, roughly chopped
• 2 onions, roughly chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
• 1 can whole tomatoes
• Cabbage or kale, roughly chopped
• 2 bay leaves (dried or fresh)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Flavor Activation: Sear chorizo in olive oil until golden, releasing its smoky essence and creating a rich foundational flavor profile.
2. Vegetable Infusion: Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pan, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and develop a soft, aromatic character.
3. Barley and Herb Integration: Introduce bay leaves and pearl barley, stirring to coat with the developing flavor base, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4. Liquid Foundation: Crush tomatoes directly into the pan, pour stock, and bring the mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
5. Texture Development: Allow soup to cook for 35-40 minutes, enabling barley to absorb liquid and become tender while developing complex flavor layers.
6. Final Enhancement: Fold in cabbage or kale, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup for added creaminess, then season with salt and black pepper.
7. Flavor Completion: Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing ingredients to harmonize and reach perfect cooking consistency.

Notes

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Sauté chorizo first to release its smoky oils, creating a rich flavor foundation that enhances the entire soup’s taste profile.
• Perfect Barley Texture: Stir barley thoroughly to coat it with oils, ensuring even cooking and preventing clumping during the simmering process.
• Blending Technique: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a luxurious, creamy texture while maintaining the soup’s hearty character.
• Seasoning Timing: Add salt and pepper at the end of cooking to balance flavors and prevent over-salting during the long simmering process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg