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.

I love making this soup on chilly days when I want something warm and satisfying that’s also light and healthy.

Ingredients

• Grains: 1/2 cup (90 g) pearl barley (or brown rice, quinoa, or farro)
• Vegetables: 1 medium onion, diced, 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced, 2 celery stalks, sliced, 1 medium zucchini, diced, 1 cup (150 g) green beans, trimmed and chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 large tomato, diced)
• Broth & Seasonings: 6 cups (1.5 L) low-sodium vegetable broth, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, Salt and pepper, to taste
• Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

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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 1–2 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 30–35 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.

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

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My family enjoys gathering around the table to share this soup, especially on cool evenings when it brings warmth and comfort.

Notes

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.

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

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This simple soup is a perfect go-to recipe for a wholesome meal that can be customized endlessly.

Questions & Answers

→ What grains can I use besides pearl barley?

You can substitute pearl barley with brown rice, quinoa, or farro, depending on your dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

→ Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice instead of barley or farro to keep it gluten-free.

→ How long does it take to cook the grains and vegetables?

The grains and vegetables simmer together for about 30–35 minutes until tender and flavors meld smoothly.

→ What herbs are used to flavor the soup?

Dried thyme and oregano along with a bay leaf infuse the broth with a subtle, aromatic flavor.

→ Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely. Seasonal vegetables such as spinach, corn, or peas work well and can be swapped according to taste.

→ Is this soup suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes, it uses vegetable broth and fresh vegetables, making it ideal for vegetarian and dairy-free diets.