Gray Barley Soup (Thermomix)
Hearty, Traditional & Comforting
Gray barley soup is a rustic, nourishing dish enjoyed in many Eastern European and Nordic kitchens. Made with pearl barley, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this soup is filling, wholesome, and perfect for cold days. Using the Thermomix makes preparation easy while preserving the soup’s slow-cooked depth of flavor.
This recipe delivers a thick, satisfying soup with tender barley and comforting aromas.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
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Hearty and filling
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Made with simple, wholesome ingredients
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Perfect for cold weather
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Easy one-bowl meal
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Convenient Thermomix method
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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80 g pearl barley, rinsed
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1 onion, halved
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2 carrots, cut into chunks
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2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
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2 cloves garlic
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20 g olive oil or butter
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1.2 liters water or vegetable/chicken stock
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1 bay leaf
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½ tsp dried thyme or marjoram
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional additions: potatoes, mushrooms, parsley, smoked meat, or bacon.
Thermomix Instructions
1. Chop Vegetables
Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the Thermomix bowl.
Chop 5 sec / Speed 5.
Scrape down sides.
2. Sauté
Add olive oil or butter.
Sauté 5 min / 120°C / Speed 1 (or Varoma).
3. Add Barley & Liquid
Add rinsed pearl barley, water or stock, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook Soup
Cook 35–40 min / 100°C / Reverse / Speed Spoon.
Place measuring cup loosely to prevent splashing.
5. Adjust & Serve
Remove bay leaf.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
If soup is too thick, add a little hot water or stock and mix 10 sec / Speed 2 / Reverse.
Tips for Perfect Gray Barley Soup
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Rinse barley well to reduce cloudiness
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For extra richness, use homemade stock
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Add potatoes halfway through cooking if desired
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Soup thickens as it rests—adjust liquid before serving
Variations
Mushroom Barley Soup
Add sliced mushrooms with the barley.
Smoked Barley Soup
Add diced smoked sausage or bacon during sautéing.
Creamy Version
Stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end.
Vegan Version
Use vegetable stock and olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve gray barley soup with:
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Crusty bread or rye bread
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Pickles or sauerkraut
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Fresh herbs on top
Storage & Reheating
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Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days
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Reheat gently in Thermomix or on stovetop
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Add extra liquid when reheating
Why This Recipe Works
The Thermomix allows barley to cook evenly while gently stirring, preventing sticking and ensuring perfect texture. Slow simmering develops flavor while keeping the soup wholesome and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Gray barley soup is the ultimate comfort food—simple, hearty, and deeply nourishing. With the Thermomix, you can enjoy this traditional soup with modern ease, making it perfect for busy days or cozy evenings.