Alberta Wild Mushroom and Barley Soup
A hearty and earthy soup celebrating the bounty of Alberta's forests, featuring a medley of wild mushrooms and nutrient-rich barley in a savory broth.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Mixed wild mushrooms(cleaned and sliced (e.g., chanterelles, morels, porcini, cremini))
- 1 cup Pearl barley(rinsed)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large Yellow onion(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(chopped)
- 2 Celery stalks(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 8 cups Vegetable or beef broth
- 3 Fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 Fresh rosemary sprig
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt and black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced wild mushrooms and cook until browned and tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove mushrooms and set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan; cook mushrooms in batches if necessary. - 2
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook until softened, about 7-8 minutes.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Stir in the rinsed pearl barley, broth, thyme sprigs, and rosemary sprig. Bring to a boil.
💡 Tip: Using a good quality broth will enhance the soup's flavor. - 5
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
⏱️ 50 minutes - 6
Return the cooked mushrooms to the pot. Stir and simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 7
Remove thyme and rosemary sprigs. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. - 8
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If fresh wild mushrooms are unavailable, a mix of cultivated mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms can be used.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of vegetable broth.
- ✓A splash of dry sherry or white wine can be added with the broth for an extra layer of flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for extra protein.
- Stir in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor.