Simple Homemade Grain Vegetable Soup

A comforting, nourishing soup featuring whole grains and fresh vegetables—perfect for a light lunch or cozy meal any day.

This simple homemade grain and vegetable soup is one of my go-to meals for a healthy and filling lunch on busy days.

Ingredients

• Pearl barley (or brown rice quinoa or farro): 1/2 cup (90 g)
• Onion: 1 medium diced
• Carrots: 2 medium peeled and sliced
• Celery stalks: 2 sliced
• Zucchini: 1 medium diced
• Green beans: 1 cup (150 g) trimmed and chopped
• Garlic cloves: 2 minced
• Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup (150 g) halved (or 1 large diced)
• Low-sodium vegetable broth: 6 cups (1.5 L)
• Olive oil: 2 tbsp
• Bay leaf: 1
• Dried thyme: 1 tsp
• Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped
• Lemon juice: 1 tbsp optional

Instructions

Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

Check price on Amazon

Step 1:

Rinse the grains under cold running water

Step 2:

In a large pot heat olive oil over medium heat Add onion carrots and celery Sauté for 5 minutes until starting to soften

Step 3:

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute stirring frequently

Step 4:

Stir in the grains and toast for 1 to 2 minutes

Step 5:

Add zucchini green beans tomatoes broth bay leaf thyme and oregano Bring to a boil

Step 6:

Reduce heat to a simmer cover and cook for 30 to 35 minutes or until grains and vegetables are tender

Step 7:

Remove bay leaf Stir in parsley and lemon juice if using Season with salt and pepper to taste

Step 8:

Serve hot optionally with crusty bread

Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

Check price on Amazon

Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

Check price on Amazon

Save

My family loves gathering around this warm bowl of soup especially on chilly evenings.

Notes

Swap in seasonal vegetables like spinach corn or peas as desired Use gluten-free grains such as quinoa or rice if needed For a heartier meal add cooked beans or shredded rotisserie chicken if not vegetarian Pairs well with a light Sauvignon Blanc or herbal tea

Required Tools

Large soup pot Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains gluten if using barley or farro For gluten-free use rice or quinoa No common allergens otherwise but always check broth labels for hidden ingredients

Save

Melt chocolate or cheese smoothly for dipping fruits, pretzels, and snacks during desserts and parties.

Check price on Amazon

This soup can be easily customized to your taste and freezes well for meal prep convenience

Saffron Brook Recipe Q&As

→ Can I use different grains in this soup?

Yes, pearl barley, brown rice, quinoa, or farro can be used based on preference or dietary needs.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice instead of barley or farro.

→ What herbs enhance the flavor best?

Dried thyme and oregano blend well, complemented by fresh parsley at the end for freshness.

→ Can I add protein to make it heartier?

Cooked beans or shredded chicken can be added for extra protein and texture.

→ What sides pair well with this meal?

Crusty bread or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors nicely.