Mushroom Barley Soup
Mushroom Barley Soup is a hearty, savory soup featuring chewy pearl barley, earthy mushrooms, and often chunks of beef, all simmered in a rich broth. It is a staple comfort food in Eastern European and Ashkenazi Jewish cuisines, with variations found across many cultures that value wholesome, filling meals.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This soup is a balanced dish, providing complex carbohydrates from barley, protein from the beef, and a good source of dietary fiber and B vitamins. A typical serving (about 1.5 cups) generally ranges from 250 to 350 calories, depending on the cut of beef and amount of barley used.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 4 mg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
| Selenium | 12 mcg |
| Zinc | 2 mg |
| Copper | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a classic example of 'peasant food' that transformed humble, long-storing ingredients into a nourishing staple. Nutritionally, barley is a unique whole grain that contains beta-glucan, a soluble fiber known for supporting heart health and digestion.
