Mushroom and Barley Soup

Mushroom and Barley Soup is a hearty, earthy soup that typically features mushrooms, pearl barley, onions, carrots, celery, and herbs like thyme or bay leaf simmered in a savory broth. It's a staple comfort food with roots in Eastern European and Jewish cuisine, often associated with Ashkenazi culinary traditions. The soup is known for its satisfying, chewy texture from the barley and deep umami flavor from the mushrooms.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This soup is a good source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber from the barley, with moderate protein from the mushrooms and minimal fat if prepared traditionally. It provides key nutrients like B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and beta-glucans (a type of soluble fiber), and a typical serving ranges from about 150 to 250 calories depending on broth richness and portion size.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	150 kcal
Protein	6 g
Carbs	28 g
Fat	2 g
Fiber	6 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	480 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Niacin (B3)	4 mg
Phosphorus	120 mg
Magnesium	40 mg
Copper	0.3 mg
Selenium	8 mcg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Barley was one of the first cultivated grains in ancient history, making this soup a modern nod to very old agricultural traditions. Nutritionally, the beta-glucans in barley are known for supporting heart health and digestion, while mushrooms offer a unique umami depth that makes the dish deeply satisfying without needing heavy creams or meats.