Krupnik Grzybowa
Polish Mushroom and Barley Soup
A hearty and flavorful Polish soup featuring earthy mushrooms, nutritious barley, and a medley of vegetables, often enriched with chicken or beef broth. This comforting dish is a staple in Polish cuisine, known for its rustic charm and satisfying texture.
🧂 Ingredients
- 30 g Dried porcini mushrooms
- 150 g Pearl barley
- 1.5 liters Chicken stock or vegetable stock
- 2 medium Carrots
- 1 medium Parsnip
- 2 medium Potatoes
- 1 medium Onion
- 2 tablespoons Butter or oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 pieces Bay leaves
- 4 pieces Allspice berries
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the dried porcini mushrooms thoroughly to remove any grit. Place them in a bowl and cover with 1 cup of warm water. Let soak for 20 minutes. Reserve the soaking liquid and chop the softened mushrooms finely.
💡 Tip: Ensure all grit is removed from the dried mushrooms. - 2
Peel and chop the carrots, parsnip, potatoes, and onion. If using a food processor, chop them finely in batches.
💡 Tip: Uniformly chopped vegetables ensure even cooking. - 3
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- 4
Add the chopped carrots, parsnip, and potatoes to the pot. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Add the chopped soaked mushrooms, pearl barley, chicken or vegetable stock, bay leaves, and allspice berries to the pot. Stir everything together.
💡 Tip: Using both dried and fresh mushrooms can add depth of flavor. - 6
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the barley is tender and plump. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 7
Stir in the salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
💡 Tip: Seasoning is best done towards the end of cooking. - 8
If the soup is too thick, add a little more stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
💡 Tip: The barley will naturally thicken the soup as it cooks. - 9
Ladle the soup into bowls.
💡 Tip: Serve hot for the best flavor experience. - 10
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Tip: Fresh herbs add a bright, fresh finish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use beef stock or add a meat bone (like a ham hock) during simmering.
- ✓If you don't have dried porcini mushrooms, other dried wild mushrooms like shiitake or morels can be used.
- ✓For a vegetarian or vegan version, use vegetable stock and omit any meat products.
- ✓Some recipes suggest frying fresh mushrooms separately until golden and adding them towards the end for an extra layer of flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like celery root or turnips.
- Include fresh mushrooms (like cremini or shiitake) sautéed until golden brown.
- A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of heavy cream can be added before serving for extra richness.
- Some variations include chicken or beef for a heartier soup.