New Brunswick Barley Soup

New Brunswick Barley Soup Recipe from Canada | Ingredients and How to Make

Region / culture: Canada | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

New Brunswick Barley Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is packed with wholesome ingredients like turkey, barley, vegetables, and herbs, making it a nutritious and delicious meal for the whole family to enjoy.

History

New Brunswick Barley Soup is a traditional dish that originated in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. This soup has been a staple in New Brunswick cuisine for generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe. The combination of turkey, barley, and vegetables in a flavorful broth has made this soup a beloved comfort food in the region.

Ingredients

2.5 lb (1.13 kg) to 3 lb chicken or turkey parts
2 qt (1.89 liter) water
0.5 cup pearl barley, uncooked
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tsp poultry seasoning
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
0.25 tsp paprika
1 bay leaf
1 cup sliced carrots
0.5 cup chopped celery
0.5 lb (227 g) mushrooms, sliced (2.5 cup)
10 oz (283 g) frozen peas
2 tbsp snipped fresh parsley

How to prepare

In a large kettle or dutch oven, combine chicken, water, barley, onion, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, and bay leaf.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and simmer until the chicken is tender, about minutes.
Remove the chicken from the broth.
Allow the chicken to cool, then remove the meat from the bones and dice it.
Add carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the broth.
Cover the pot and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return the diced chicken to the soup mixture along with peas and parsley.
Cook until heated through.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
Use beef or chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for an umami kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra flavor to the soup, try browning the turkey parts before adding them to the broth.

- For a thicker soup, you can add more barley to the recipe.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in the soup to suit your taste preferences.

- This soup can be easily made in a slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve New Brunswick Barley Soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal. This soup also pairs well with a glass of white wine or a cup of hot tea.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute quinoa or rice for the barley if desired.

- Use any combination of vegetables you have on hand in this soup.

Make Ahead Tips

New Brunswick Barley Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish New Brunswick Barley Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation. Serve the soup in a rustic bowl for a cozy and inviting meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair New Brunswick Barley Soup with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. This soup also pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cup of hot cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover New Brunswick Barley Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of New Brunswick Barley Soup contains approximately 300 calories. This soup is a satisfying and nourishing meal option that won't weigh you down.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of New Brunswick Barley Soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. Barley is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady source of energy and help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

Each serving of New Brunswick Barley Soup contains approximately 5 grams of fat. The fat content in this soup comes primarily from the turkey parts, which add flavor and richness to the dish.

Proteins

Each serving of New Brunswick Barley Soup contains approximately 30 grams of protein. Turkey is a lean source of protein, making this soup a nutritious and filling meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

New Brunswick Barley Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains turkey, which is a common allergen. If you have a turkey allergy, you can easily substitute chicken or another protein in this soup.

Summary

New Brunswick Barley Soup is a nutritious and delicious meal option that is rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. This soup is a great choice for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Summary

New Brunswick Barley Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. Packed with wholesome ingredients and rich flavors, this soup is sure to become a family favorite for years to come. Enjoy a bowl of New Brunswick Barley Soup on a chilly day for a satisfying and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for New Brunswick Barley Soup. It was a cold, blustery day in the middle of winter, and I had just finished shoveling the snow off of my front porch. As I trudged back inside, my fingers numb and my cheeks rosy from the cold, I was craving something warm and comforting to fill my belly.

I rummaged through my old recipe box, filled with handwritten recipes on faded index cards and scraps of torn paper, until I came across a recipe that caught my eye. It was for a hearty barley soup, filled with chunks of tender beef, carrots, celery, and onions. The recipe was written in neat cursive handwriting, with notes scribbled in the margins in pencil.

I stared at the recipe, intrigued by the combination of ingredients and the promise of a steaming bowl of soup to warm me from the inside out. I had never made barley soup before, but I was determined to give it a try.

As I gathered the ingredients and started chopping vegetables, memories of my childhood flooded back to me. I remembered my own grandmother, a stout woman with a twinkle in her eye and a love for cooking that knew no bounds. She had taught me how to cook when I was just a young girl, standing on a stool next to her in the kitchen, watching as she stirred pots of bubbling stews and baked fragrant loaves of bread.

My grandmother had learned to cook from her own mother, who had emigrated from Ireland with nothing but a few recipes and a fierce determination to make a better life for herself and her family. She had passed down those recipes to my grandmother, who in turn had passed them down to me.

I could still hear my grandmother's voice in my head, as clear as if she were standing right beside me, guiding me through the steps of the recipe. "Make sure to brown the beef first, dear," she would say. "It adds a depth of flavor that can't be replicated any other way."

I followed her advice, browning the beef in a hot skillet until it was golden and caramelized, then transferring it to a large pot to simmer with the vegetables and barley. As the soup bubbled away on the stove, filling the kitchen with a rich, savory aroma, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and sat down at the kitchen table to enjoy a steaming bowlful. The first spoonful was like a warm hug from an old friend, comforting and familiar. The beef was tender, the vegetables were soft and sweet, and the barley added a chewy texture that I loved.

As I savored each bite, I thought about all of the people who had come before me, passing down their recipes and culinary knowledge from generation to generation. I realized that recipes are more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – they are a link to the past, a way of connecting with those who have gone before us.

I finished my bowl of soup with a satisfied sigh, feeling grateful for the gift of cooking that had been passed down to me. And as I washed the dishes and put away the leftovers, I made a mental note to write down the recipe for New Brunswick Barley Soup, so that I could pass it down to my own grandchildren someday.