Best 2 Greek Barley Soup Recipes

ZESTY GREEK LENTIL AND BARLEY SOUP

Steps:

• Rinse the lentils well under cold water and place them in a medium pot. Add some water, just enough to cover them, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes. Empty the lentils into a colander to drain and discard the water.
• Return the lentils into the pot, add the barley, olive oil, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, tomato sauce, 6 cups of fresh water and the paprika and pepper. (Hold off on adding the salt and the oregano). Cover and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat, partially uncover the pot, and cook for about another 30 to 40 minutes or until the lentils, the barley, and the vegetables are soft, stirring occasionally. Add the oregano and the salt and cook for 5-10 minutes more or until the soup is slightly thickened. If the soup is becoming too thick, add some hot water at this stage. Remove the bay leaves.
• Just before serving, drizzle the red wine vinegar (or even better, Balsamic vinegar) and some extra virgin olive oil and stir well. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Pour into soup bowls, squeeze a few drops of fresh lemon juice for added flavor, and serve. This soup is traditionally served with seasoned Kalamata olives and a loaf of good, crusty flatbread.

GREEK BARLEY SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.
• Add the garlic, parsley, marjoram, and rosemary and sauté for 1 minute.
• Add the stock, barley, carrots, if using, potato, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the barley is nearly tender, about 45 minutes.
• Add the milk and heat through.
• Remove from the heat.
• Gradually stir 1 cup of the soup into the egg yolks, then stir the yolk mixture and parmesan into the soup.
• Return to low heat and stir until thickened, about 3 minutes.
• Serve warm.