Slovenian Mushroom and Barley Soup (Gobova Juha s Krompirjem)
A hearty and flavorful soup featuring wild mushrooms, potatoes, and barley, embodying the rich forest bounty of Slovenia. This soup is a comforting and nutritious dish, often enjoyed during the autumn and winter months.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Mixed wild mushrooms(such as porcini, chanterelles, or morels, cleaned and sliced (leave small ones whole))
- 150 g Pearl barley(rinsed)
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and diced)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 1 medium Celery stalk(sliced)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1.5 l Vegetable broth
- 100 ml White wine(optional)
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Marjoram(dried)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley(chopped)
- for serving Sour cream(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- 3
Add the mixed wild mushrooms to the pot and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- 4
If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until mostly evaporated.
- 5
Add the rinsed pearl barley, diced potatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaves, and dried marjoram. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the barley and potatoes are tender.
- 7
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a variety of wild mushrooms will provide a richer flavor.
- ✓If fresh wild mushrooms are unavailable, good quality dried mushrooms (rehydrated) or a mix of cultivated mushrooms can be used.
- ✓For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before serving.
🔄 Variations
- Add a small amount of smoked bacon or pancetta at the beginning with the onions for an extra layer of flavor.
- A splash of lemon juice can be added at the end for brightness.