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Barley and Mushroom Soup Recipe

A bowl of barley and mushroom soup

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This mushroom and barley soup is very soothing. Ladle it into your bowl, deeply inhale the warm steam, pull the spoon to your lips and savor. You’ll probably be smiling while you ruminate on the flavors. It was my comfort food all last week when I wasn’t feeling well. It’s really simple, healthy and delicious.

Barley and Mushroom Soup Ingredients:

2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup barley rinsed
2 medium onions diced
1/2 lb mushrooms, thinly sliced
8 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
1 large carrot thinly sliced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
2 Tbsp minced parsley or dill to serve
Sour cream to serve, optional

Barley Mushroom Soup

How to make Mushroom and Barley Soup:

1. Prep your vegetables by: dicing 2 onions, slicing 1/2 lb of mushrooms and thinly slicing 1 carrot.

Two photos one of diced onions and carrots and one of mushrooms

2. In a large soup pot heat 2 Tbsp of oil and 2 Tbsp of butter. Add 1/2 cup of barley along with diced onions. Cook over medium heat for 5 min, stirring constantly.

Three photos of ingredients for barley and mushroom soup in a dutch oven

3. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 min or until mushroom liquid has evaporated.

Two photos of barley and mushrooms in a dutch oven

4. Next, add 8 cups of reduced sodium chicken broth, sliced carrot, 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of ground pepper. Bring soup to a boil and use a spoon to skim impurities off the top.

Three photos of ingredients being added to a dutch oven with barley and mushroom soup

5. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley or dill before serving.

Barley Mushroom Soup-12

Bowl of barley and mushroom soup with raw barley besides the plate

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Barley and Mushroom Soup Recipe

4.96 from 22 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 -8
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup barley rinsed
  • 2 medium onions diced
  • 1/2 lb mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 8 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large carrot thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp minced parsley or dill to serve
  • Sour cream to serve, optional

Instructions

  • How to make Mushroom and Barley Soup:
  • Dice 2 onions and slice 1/2 lb of mushrooms, and thinly slicing 1 carrot.
  • In a large soup pot heat 2 Tbsp of oil and 2 Tbsp of butter, then add 1/2 cup of barley along with diced onions. Cook over medium heat for 5 min, stirring frequently.
  • Add sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 min or until mushroom liquid has evaporated.
  • Next, add 8 cups of chicken broth, sliced carrot, 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of ground pepper. Bring soup to a boil and skim off impurities that float to the top.
  • Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 hour. stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley or dill before serving.
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Russian, Ukrainian
Keyword: Barley and Mushroom Soup
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $3-$5

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Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

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Read comments/reviewsAdd comment/review

  • OK
    January 25, 2022

    Hello, do you think this would work with canned mushrooms? Should they be sauteed if I add them or just throw them in? Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 26, 2022

      Hi, OK, I always use fresh. If you happen to test that out with canned, I’d love to know how you like that.

      Reply

  • Paula Borenstein
    August 3, 2021

    This recipe mushroom barley soup that you sent isn’t what I wanted. I need a much thicker meatier soup. Not a broth.

    Reply

  • Micki
    February 5, 2021

    If you like mushrooms and barley, you will LOVE this soup!
    I followed the recipe exactly and it is absolutely delicious. Thank you Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 5, 2021

      Thank you so much for that awesome review, Micki! I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe.

      Reply

  • Stefane
    February 4, 2019

    Are you adding dried barley and it cooks in the soup? Or do you have to have some already cooked?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 4, 2019

      Hi Stefane, we used dried barley that has been rinsed. Per the recipe “1/2 cup barley rinsed”

      Reply

    • Natasha
      February 4, 2019

      Hi Stefane, I am adding dried barley and it cooks in the soup. I hope you love this barley soup!

      Reply

  • Svetlana
    September 11, 2018

    My husband’s reaction to this soup: “This is 10 stars out of 5, baby! Is there enough left over for me to have it for breakfast tomorrow?” I will definately be making this over and over again- and it’s soooo easy!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 11, 2018

      I am all smiles! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Svetlana! I love it! Thanks for the awesome review!

      Reply

  • Nesa Prem
    January 18, 2018

    Hi there

    Can this soup be made in a crockpot? If yesterday how long should iot be cooked etc.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 18, 2018

      Hi Nesa, I haven’t tried this in a crockpot but I would guess on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 2 hours or until barley reaches desired doneness.

      Reply

  • Anastasiya
    January 11, 2018

    I’m gonna try this today but tweak a little bit with adding heavy cream at the end, using up a sweet potato that I have and some broccolli…lol… What kind of soup is that gonna make? Oh and celery…gotta use up some sticks…

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 11, 2018

      Let me know how your experimenting goes! I’m curious! 😉

      Reply

      • Anastasiya
        January 13, 2018

        Was awesome! I decided to just use up the sweet potato and celery…I added them when I added the carrot. Family loves it! Also, I added some fancy cheese when serving too…

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          January 13, 2018

          I’m happy to hear that, thanks for sharing!

          Reply

  • Ana S
    January 5, 2018

    I have some chicken thighs in the fridge which I’d like to try in this soup… when would be the best time to throw them in?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 5, 2018

      Hi Ana, you could either add them when there is 20 minutes left on the timer or right at the beginning – they will be pretty tender at the end of the cooking time. When I make chicken noodle soup with chicken thighs, I cook the thighs in the broth for 20 minutes then remove, shred the chicken and put it back in the pot.

      Reply

  • mn
    November 3, 2016

    Does this soup freeze well?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 3, 2016

      Yes, it does freeze well 😋.

      Reply

  • Venus
    September 5, 2016

    Made three recipes from your site today, and this was one. Tzatziki and shrimp avocado salsa were the other two. Another winner! I used vegetable broth, as I didn’t have chicken on hand, and it came out great. Love your recipes. You’re my new go to! And that’s saying a lot because I generally don’t do much cooking. My family is of Latvian heritage, and speaks Russian. This site helps me bring traditional meals to the table. The botscht with meat is a favorite 😁

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 5, 2016

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful reviews 🙂

      Reply

  • Angela
    February 10, 2016

    Does this soup keep well in the refrigerator? I’m having company and would like to make it two days in advance. Thanks 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 10, 2016

      Yes it will keep well for 2 days in the fridge 🙂

      Reply

  • I.N
    January 8, 2016

    Love how easy it is to make this, and tastes great too!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 8, 2016

      Thank you for the nice review 😀.

      Reply

  • Ella
    September 19, 2015

    Natasha, thank you. I made this soup so… many times. Love it, usually make double portion. Love your Уха too.😄

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 19, 2015

      That’s awesome!! 🙂

      Reply

  • Sveta
    March 3, 2015

    Hi Natasha –
    Thank you for the great recipes. I have made quite a few of your dishes and loved them! I love how easy, healthy and delicious they are!
    Question – what type of barley did you use? Pearl or hulled?
    I want to make this tonight and have hulled barley at home, as I have read it is much healthier than pearl barley.

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 3, 2015

      I haven’t tried cooking with hulled barley but I imagine it would work. Does it normally take longer to cook than pearl barley since it has more of the bran on it? It does sound like a healthier option!

      Reply

      • Lana
        March 3, 2015

        Yes, it does take longer to cook.
        I think I’ll cook the barley separately and will add it to the soup when it’s done.

        Thank you!

        Reply

  • Taisa
    October 6, 2014

    Natasha, I don’t know if this tells you anything at all but I just made this soup for the third time in the period of only a few weeks. Just sayin’ 😉

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 6, 2014

      That tells me plenty! 🙂 Thanks so much for a wonderful review. You’re awesome! Just sayin’ 😉

      Reply

  • Lana
    October 2, 2014

    Is barley same as “grechka”????

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 2, 2014

      No, grechka is buckwheat. Barley is more rice-shaped. Barley takes longer to cook but it’s a very unique texture and flavor. We love it!

      Reply

    • Ella
      September 19, 2015

      Maybe I am too late with answer. Barley is “перловка”

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        September 19, 2015

        Thank you! 🙂

        Reply

  • Dina
    January 20, 2014

    Just made this soup! It’s delicious!!!! I always wanted to ask you if you know a good soup recipe with fish bones ( salmon tail, head, ect.) Would love it if you shared one:)

    Reply

  • Olik
    January 17, 2014

    Hi Natasha do u think I can substitute barley for orzo?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 17, 2014

      I suppose you could make it an orzo mushroom soup 🙂 You don’t want to add the orzo until later though since it only takes 10 min or so to cook. I’d make everything minus the barley and cook 20 min and then add orzo and cook another 10 min or until orzo is tender.

      Reply

  • Natalya
    November 1, 2013

    Want to try this soup, have everything but not barley, what do u think i can use ? ( maybe rice or oat meal 🙂 )

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 1, 2013

      If you can get barley, you should since it’s pretty crucial in this soup. You could try rice or maybe quinoa, but keep in mind barley takes longer to cook so don’t overcook your rice or quinoa 🙂

      Reply

  • Inna
    September 12, 2013

    Natasha, this is a great soup! My husband could stop refilling his bowl! Thanks for the recipe this is going to be one of our favorite soups! :)))

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 13, 2013

      That’s awesome!! It’s such a good feeling to find a new favorite. I’m so glad you both enjoyed the soup 🙂

      Reply

  • Natalya
    August 24, 2013

    Natasha, this is by far the most tastiest soup my husband and I have eaten. Even my 8 month daughter liked it lol thank you so much for sharing all these wonderful recipes with us, I’d be stuck in front of the stove every day trying to come up with what to cook if it weren’t for you. God bless you & your family!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 24, 2013

      Thank you for the sweet comment Natalya, God’s blessings to you and your family as well :).

      Reply

  • Lilchik
    June 14, 2013

    Natasha…..served the soup to six kids and they loved it!!!! My son who absolutely cannot stand mushrooms ate it and liked it. ( I pureed it for him.) I guess it’s not the smell or taste that bothers him, but the texture or so…. I also forgot to mention that i’ve used 1 tablespoon of salt since i added the water. Another reason why I added water and potatoes is because i need more soup for the big bunch that i have to serve. The soup was delicious and i’m definately going to make it again and again. 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 14, 2013

      I love the idea of adding potatoes. Thats awesome that all the kiddos loved it too. That’s the best when the babies love what you make!

      Reply

  • Lilchik
    June 14, 2013

    Natasha, thank you so much for such a yummy soup recipe. I did add a few more ingredients though. I’m Ukrainian and i love potatoes! so i added 3 potatoes and used 4 cups of chicken broth and 8 water, to make it a little cheaper. Thought it might not taste as good, but omg could’t wait until it was done cooking. smelled so good. I love mushrooms! and I used the dried ones since i didn’t have the raw. Also added a no-salt seasoning from costco, 3 bay leaves, and sliced leeks. This recipe is a BOMB! Tell your hubby the he is Molodets!!!!! and thank you so much for shearing it!!!!! God Bless Your Family!!!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 14, 2013

      I’m so happy you liked the recipe!! I’ll pass the message along to my hubby 🙂

      Reply

  • Tanya
    April 17, 2013

    Can i cook it with chicken legs?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 17, 2013

      I don’t see why not, just use water instead of chicken broth :).

      Reply

  • Donichka
    April 15, 2013

    I never cook cuz I tend to burn everything but ran into your website on IG and this looked easy enough to give a try! I want to tell you my whole family and friends devoured all the soup in one day! No leftovers! My mom even made a similar soup with added kale and peppers the next day! She loved the idea of barley in soup! Thanks from Romania! Next try is the borscht!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 15, 2013

      That’s awesome (my husband is reading your comment over my shoulder and loving it; he made this recipe!!) and I love instagram; what’s your screen name there? Hope you love the borscht just as well!

      Reply

      • Donichka
        April 19, 2013

        Hehe! My screen name is @donichka
        I mainly cook vegan and I made this recipe with veggie broth:) I am actually cutting up the veggies for the borscht right now! My hands are a pretty purple color lol (good that I don’t have to work this weekend… I’m a nurse also 😉 I bought the organic better than bullion as you recommend can’t wait to taste the final result! I will put a pic up on IG 🙂

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          April 19, 2013

          I love to meet fellow nurses through this blog! I bet the borsch would be amazing with the veggie broth too. Let me know how you like it! 🙂

          Reply

  • Oksana
    April 11, 2013

    Wonder how this soup would taste like if I added potatoes. My husband likes potatoes in his soups. Any suggestions when to add them, etc?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 11, 2013

      I probably would add potatoes 25-30 min before its done. Let me know how it turns out :).

      Reply

  • Jenny
    March 12, 2013

    I made this for dinner tonight and it is delicious! Thanks for another wonderful recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 12, 2013

      You’re welcome Jenny 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • vikulya
    March 5, 2013

    Natasha, this is such a great tasting soup!!!! Hearty, comforting and has a perfect combination.of flavors. Sometimes it feels like you wanna eat but something light and yet delicious. There it is , your soup satisfies that wish;-)
    God bless:)

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 6, 2013

      Thank you for such a sweet comment Vikulya, I’m glad you like it :).

      Reply

  • Lindsey
    March 4, 2013

    Could the barley but substituted for buckwheat? Get all the ingredients to find out at the last minute that my husbands one dislike is barley…

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 4, 2013

      You can substitute it for buckwheat, but cooking time will be much less, maybe 20 mins, you have to keep on checking, making sure not to over cook it.

      Reply

  • Lydia
    March 3, 2013

    Thank you again Natasha for a great recipe! We Ukrainians love our mushrooms! Blessings to you and your sweet family.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 3, 2013

      Thank you Lydia, blessing to you and your family as well :).

      Reply

  • Julia | JuliasAlbum.com
    March 2, 2013

    What a beautiful looking soup and great instructions!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 2, 2013

      Thanks Julia 🙂 I just checked out your blog; it lovely!!

      Reply

  • D
    March 2, 2013

    Love mushrooms, btw!

    Reply

  • D
    March 2, 2013

    I am always challenged when it comes to barley. It’s cool that this recipe rovides an easy way to use it!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 2, 2013

      After simmering for an hour, it tastes mighty delicious :).

      Reply

  • Nelya
    March 2, 2013

    I must try your recipe, I love any kind of mushroom soup. Never thought about sauteing the barley with onions. Usually just throw it right in with the water. Great tip, thank you! You think it would be ok to substitue chicken broth for beef?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 2, 2013

      That should totally be fine Nelya, let me know how it turns out :).

      Reply

  • Alla
    March 2, 2013

    Oh how I wish my husband liked mushrooms… your last two recipes (this and the beans) are making me drool for mushrooms… 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 2, 2013

      Mushrooms make everything taste better :).

      Reply

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