Nov 20, 2013

Tomato soup with barley


...and all I had was those two sleeping tomato cans. Miracles do happen!

Recipe adapted from Barefoot Contessa
time: 40 min

ingredients
  • 28 oz (800 g, 2 small cans or one big one) can tomatoes, crushed 
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium/large onions, chopped
  • 2 large garlic gloves, minced
  • 1 pinch of saffron
  • 4 cups (900 ml) boiling water
  • 1/2 cup barley + water + 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Grilled cheese croutons*

instructions
  1. In a heavy saucepan, heat oil on medium heat. Add onions and cook on medium/low heat for 15 min, stirring occasionally and not allowing change in color. Add garlic and cook and stir for 1 minute. Add saffron, tomatoes, boiling water, salt and pepper. Bring to boil. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile...fill a medium pot with water, bring to boil, add 2 teaspoons of salt, add barley and cook on medium heat for 7 minutes. Drain barley and add to the soup that has been cooking for 8 minutes (out of 15). Cook the dish for another 10 minutes. Correct seasoning. Pour into bowls and top it with these fantastic croutons.
*Grilled cheese croutons
Prepare slices of bread. Spread butter on both sides. Put a couple of slices of your favorite cheese. Make sandwiches and grill till cheese is melted.

notes
  • onions, garlic and tomatoes make this a very lively soup;
  • no taste of can tomatoes;
  • it's not creamy like a baby soup;
  • all these exciting bites of veggies and barley are there to enjoy;
  • the croutons with their homey texture and taste complement sweetness/sourness of tomatoes;
  • in short, the soup is exquisite;
  • thank you again, Mrs. Garten.

14 comments:

  1. I've just recently gotten into using barley more in my kitchen - and I'm totally hooked now! This soup sounds delicious - perfect for the cooler weather this time of the year!

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  2. Isn't it great? Such a hardy and chewy grain. And yes, the soup did warm up us up on this cold and wet day. Thanks, Ashley :))

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  3. Anonymous11/21/2013

    Barley, into tomato soup, nice suprise ! I'll try it. Thanks. by the way, " gray apron" looks and sounds peacefull.
    Kasia

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  4. This healthy soup looks mighty good! A great combination.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  5. Hi Kasia, you know, we liked it much more than with rice. Barely stays firm in the soup, unlike rice. And thanks for your feedback about the site...much needed. xoxo

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  6. Thanks Rosa! The soup was truly exciting and I don't even care about tomato soups that much :)

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  7. I love this tomato soup:)

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  8. Anonymous11/21/2013

    simply comfort tomato soup!
    i love making a asian dessert with barley but never try making a savoury dish with it,
    tempting to try!

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    Replies
    1. I would like to try a barley dessert! The grain is sweet in itself, must be fantastic. Thanks you :))

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  9. Tomato soup is my favorite so this looks like such a warning meal!

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  10. Hi Pamela, if you like tomato soups, you gonna love this one! :))

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  11. I just made a simple tomato soup for the lunch :-) but with some leftover quinoa. Gotta try it with barley next time.

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    Replies
    1. Can I say that I'm gonna try some leftover quinoa next time..:))?

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