Tomato Barley Soup with Kale and Roasted Chickpeas
This cozy Tomato Barley Soup is filled with tender vegetables, hearty grains, and savory herbs. Topped with crispy roasted chickpeas, it’s a simple yet satisfying vegan meal that’s perfect for make-ahead lunches or warming dinners.
Course dinner, lunch, Soup
Cuisine Mediterranean, vegan, vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 55 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour5 minutesminutes
Servings 4people
Author Stephanie McKercher, RDN
Ingredients
2tablespoonsolive oil
1cupdiced onion(1 medium)
3carrots,diced
1cupdry pearl barley,rinsed
2(28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
4cupsvegetable broth
2tablespoonstomato paste
6clovesgarlic,sliced
1tablespoondry oregano
1tablespoondry basil
2teaspoonscrushed rosemary
½teaspooncrushed red pepper
Salt and pepper
2cupschopped Lacinato kale(1 pound)
Optional for serving:
1batchHerb Roasted Chickpeas(see note)
Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Add olive oil, onion, and carrots to a preheated stockpot over medium-high heat. Cook 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent. Stir in barley and cook 5 minutes, or until grains are aromatic.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, basil, rosemary, crushed red pepper, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to low-medium and simmer 40 minutes, or until barley is tender but still slightly al dente. Stir in kale and cook 5 minutes, or until wilted and tender.
Serve with roasted chickpeas if desired (see note).
Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Store in an airtight container and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Freezing: Let the soup cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as usual.