Best 10 Zesty Greek Lentil And Barley Soup Recipes

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Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Mediterranean with our carefully curated collection of Zesty Greek Lentil and Barley Soup recipes. Embark on a culinary journey that captures the essence of Greek cuisine, where hearty lentils, chewy barley, and an array of aromatic spices come together to create a symphony of flavors.

Dive into the classic Zesty Greek Lentil and Barley Soup, a comforting and flavorful dish that embodies the essence of Greek home cooking. Discover variations that cater to different dietary preferences, including a vegan-friendly version for those seeking a plant-based alternative.

Explore the delightful Zesty Greek Lentil Soup with Barley and Vegetables, a vibrant and colorful soup bursting with the goodness of fresh vegetables. Experience the unique twist of the Zesty Greek Barley Soup with Lentils and Spinach, where the earthy notes of spinach blend harmoniously with the lentils and barley.

For a quick and satisfying meal, try the Zesty Greek Barley and Lentil Soup in the Instant Pot. This recipe harnesses the power of the Instant Pot to deliver a flavorful soup in a fraction of the time.

Each recipe is meticulously crafted to guide you through the cooking process, ensuring that you create a delicious and authentic Greek lentil and barley soup. Join us on this culinary adventure as we uncover the secrets of Greek cuisine, one spoonful at a time.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

EASY GREEK RED LENTIL SOUP RECIPE



Easy Greek Red Lentil Soup Recipe image

This creamy red lentil soup, prepared Greek-style, will surprise your taste buds in the best way possible! Red lentils, combined with onions, garlic, and sweet carrots in a tomato-based broth. Infused with cumin, oregano, and rosemary. Finished with a bright splash of lemon juice and fresh parsley. Keep it vegan, or add a sprinkle of salty feta, if you like.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories     Soup

Time 33m

Number Of Ingredients 17

Extra virgin olive oil (I used Early Harvest)
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, chopped
3 tsp dry oregano
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp rosemary
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 dry bay leaves
1 cup crushed tomatoes (from a can)
7 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained
Kosher salt
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 2 lemons
Fresh parsley for garnish
Crumbled feta cheese to serve, optional

Steps:

  • Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil until shimmering but not smoking. Add onions, carrots and garlic. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring regularly. Add spices and bay leaves. Cook for a few seconds till fragrant, keep stirring so spices don't burn.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, broth, lentils. Season with kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until lentils are fully cooked.
  • Remove from heat. If you have the time, let soup cool a bit before using an immersion blender to puree. Pulse a few times till you reach the creamy consitency you are looking for.
  • Return soup to heat, and stir to warm through. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.
  • Transfer soup to serving bowls and top with extra virgin olive oil. If you like, top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of feta cheese. Serve with your favorite crusty bread!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340 calories, Sugar 6.8 g, Sodium 878.7 mg, Fat 6.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 56.4 g, Fiber 9.4 g, Protein 18.8 g, Cholesterol 8.4 mg

GREEK LENTIL SOUP (FAKES)



Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes) image

Fakes (pronounced 'Fah-kehs') is a staple in the Greek kitchen, and an especially filling meal. It is traditionally served with a drizzle of olive oil and lots of vinegar. Though the vinegar is of course optional, try it. It lifts the lentils and adds another dimension of flavor!

Provided by Diana Moutsopoulos

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Beans and Peas     Lentil Soup Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

8 ounces brown lentils
¼ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 medium onion, minced
1 large carrot, chopped
1 quart water
1 pinch dried oregano
1 pinch crushed dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon tomato paste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon olive oil, or to taste
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar, or to taste

Steps:

  • Place lentils in a large saucepan; add enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring water to a boil and cook for 10 minutes; drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and carrot; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in lentils, 1 quart water, oregano, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in tomato paste and season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils have softened, 30 to 40 minutes. Add additional water if the soup becomes too thick. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and red wine vinegar to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 357.4 calories, Carbohydrate 40.3 g, Fat 15.5 g, Fiber 18.7 g, Protein 15.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 56.9 mg, Sugar 3.7 g

BARLEY AND LENTIL SOUP



Barley and Lentil Soup image

Provided by Cynthia Paige Ward

Categories     Soup/Stew     Bean     Tomato     Vegetable     Low Cal     High Fiber     Lunch     Barley     Lentil     Winter     Healthy     Bon Appétit     North Carolina     Dairy Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
3 carrots, sliced
4 celery stalks, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
8 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, chopped
2 teaspoons dried basil, crumbled
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
6 14 1/2-ounce cans (about) beef broth
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup pearl barley
1 cup lentils
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat oil in heavy 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add next 6 ingredients. Cook until bell pepper just softens, stirring occasionally, 6 minutes.
  • Mix in 5 cans broth, tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring mixture to boil. Stir in barley and lentils. Reduce heat and simmer until barley and lentils are tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 1/2 hours.
  • Thin soup to desired consistency with remaining broth. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with parsley if desired.

LENTIL BARLEY SOUP



Lentil Barley Soup image

Meet the Cook: Soups are one of my favorite things to prepare - they're so easy, and nothing is better on a chilly evening with some homemade bread or biscuits. I am only 26 and married for just a year, so I don't consider myself an "experienced" cook. But I do love to try new recipes with a country flair. -Anita Warner, Mt. Crawford, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h5m

Yield 8-10 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 can (49-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
3 medium carrots, chopped
1/2 cup dried lentils
1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup cubed cooked chicken or turkey
1/2 cup quick-cooking barley
2 medium fresh mushrooms, chopped
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, undrained

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven or soup kettle, saute the onion, green pepper and garlic in butter until tender. Add broth, carrots, lentils, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25 minutes. , Add chicken, barley and mushrooms; return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the lentils, barley and carrots are tender. Add tomatoes; heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 155 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 16mg cholesterol, Sodium 949mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

RED LENTIL AND BARLEY SOUP



Red Lentil and Barley Soup image

Lentils have played a dominant role in Middle Eastern cooking since ancient times. This is a thick an hearty soup almost a stew.

Provided by morgainegeiser

Categories     Southwest Asia (middle East)

Time 1h25m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup chopped celery
4 garlic, gloves crushed
6 1/2 cups vegetable stock
1 cup red lentil, uncooked
1/2 cup barley, uncooked
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dill weed
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
  • Cook, stirring frequently, 5 minutes.
  • Add remaining ingredients to saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook 1 hour.
  • Remove and discard bay leaves before serving.

BARLEY LENTIL SOUP



Barley Lentil Soup image

Canadian Living recently featured a an article promoting recipes rich in grains. This soup looked so comforting and satisfying, I knew that as autumn arrived it would be the perfect meal. Submitted for 'Zaar World Tour.

Provided by justcallmetoni

Categories     Grains

Time 55m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, coarsely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon pepper
salt
4 cups vegetable stock
2 cups water
1 cup brown lentils or 1 cup green lentil
1/4 cup barley
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt (optional) or 1/4 cup low-fat plain yogurt (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced (optional)

Steps:

  • In large saucepan or soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Saute onion, garlic, carrot, celery, thyme, marjoram and pepper until onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add stock, water, lentils and barley to the pot and bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until barley and lentils are tender, about 40 minutes.
  • Stir in chopped parsley before serving.
  • To serve, top each serving with a dollop of yogurt. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley.

HEARTY GREEK LENTIL SOUP



Hearty Greek Lentil Soup image

Warm, hearty lentil soup, don't forget the bread to soak up the leftover sauce at the bottom of your bowl.

Provided by Constantina

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Beans and Peas     Lentil Soup Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup dry lentils, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped, or to taste
1 cup sliced celery
½ cup sliced carrots
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 (8 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
¾ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place lentils in a pot with water to cover; bring to a boil. Drain, reserving water.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute. Add celery and carrots; cook and stir until slightly tender, about 5 minutes. Add the partially cooked lentils, potatoes, tomatoes, parsley, vinegar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper; cover with water and bring soup to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low; partially cover and let simmer until liquid is almost gone, 35 to 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 165 calories, Carbohydrate 30.5 g, Fat 3.9 g, Fiber 5.6 g, Protein 4.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 162.5 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

BARLEY, LENTIL AND MUSHROOM SOUP



Barley, Lentil and Mushroom Soup image

This is a hearty soup made with whole grains and mushrooms simmered in a beef broth. It goes great with a crusty bread and salad.

Provided by Diana Hagewood Smith

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes     Barley Soup Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

¼ cup olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
¾ cup pearl barley
¾ cup dry brown lentils
⅓ cup dried porcini mushrooms, rinsed
2 quarts low-sodium beef broth
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
4 cups sliced button mushrooms
1 tablespoon dry sherry

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion; cook and stir until onions are limp, but not brown, about 5 minutes. Mix in the celery and carrot; cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the barley and lentils so they are coated with oil, continue to cook and stir until lightly toasted.
  • Pour in the beef broth and season with thyme, parsley, pepper and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Add the porcini mushrooms, cover and simmer for 25 minutes over low heat. Add the button mushroom, cover and continue cooking for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in sherry during the last 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 265.4 calories, Carbohydrate 33 g, Fat 8.9 g, Fiber 10.3 g, Protein 14 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 106.7 mg, Sugar 3.7 g

LENTIL BARLEY SOUP



Lentil Barley Soup image

From fatfreevegan.com, adapted from NewCenturyNutrition.com Based on a recipe by J. Raymond Thick enough to be called a stew, this hearty soup is easy to prepare and cooks in a single pot. Add more water or stock if you wish to have a thinner soup. Pearl barley is the variety most commonly sold in supermarkets. Natural food stores offer hulled barley, which is slightly less refined and cooks in about the same amount of time.

Provided by emcmonnies

Categories     Grains

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup lentils, rinsed
2 stalks celery, sliced
1/2 cup hulled barley or 1/2 cup pearl barley
1/2 teaspoon oregano
6 cups water or 6 cups vegetable stock
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced or crushed
1/8-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 carrots, sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
2 -4 cups fresh spinach (optional)

Steps:

  • Place all ingredients except salt into a large pot and bring to a simmer.
  • Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and barley are tender, about 1 hour.
  • Add salt to taste and spinach, if desired.
  • Cook briefly until spinach is wilted but still bright green.
  • This soup can also be prepared in a crockpot. If you start with boiling water it will cook in 1 to 2 hours; with cold water, 5 to 6 hours.
  • To cook in a pressure cooker, put all ingredients except salt and spinach into cooker and bring it to high pressure.
  • Cook at high pressure for 12 minutes; then bring pressure down with a quick-release method. Lentils should be cooked, but barley may not be completely tender.
  • Cook until barley reaches the desired state of tenderness, about 15 minutes, adding water if a thinner consistency is needed. Then add salt and spinach, if desired.
  • Cook briefly until spinach is wilted but still bright green.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 112.9, Fat 0.6, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 35.5, Carbohydrate 22.5, Fiber 6.4, Sugar 2.7, Protein 5.5

ITALIAN LENTIL AND BARLEY SOUP



Italian Lentil and Barley Soup image

This is a surprisingly filling, vegetarian, crock pot soup. It is very good, and easy to prepare the night before, or chop the veggies in advance and turn it on before you leave for work in the morning. Goes great with a crusty bread.

Provided by Shaye

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 13h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup lentils
1/3 cup pearl barley
1 cup carrot (chopped)
1 cup celery (chopped)
1 cup onion (chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
3 1/2 cups broth
2 1/2 cups water
14 1/4 ounces regular stewed tomatoes or 14 1/4 ounces crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons cider vinegar (optional)

Steps:

  • Sort through lentils to remove debris and shriveled beans, then rinse.
  • Add lentils to crock pot, along with barley, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, dried herbs and bay leaf.
  • Pour in broth, water, and tomatoes.
  • Cover and cook on low heat for 12 to 14 hours, or on high heat for 5 to 6 hours.
  • Discard bay leaf and just before serving stir in parsley and vinegar. (If you don't use the vinegar, the soup might taste more bland as you're omitting a major contributor of flavor.).
  • Lentils aren't like dried beans. They don't require soaking and cook pretty quickly when you do it right.
  • When you buy your lentils, go somewhere that has a decent turnover so your lentils haven't been sitting on the shelf for years. Also, don't add any additional salt to the soup while it is cooking, and don't add lentils to already boiling water as either one can make lentils tough.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 62, Fat 0.3, SaturatedFat 0.1, Cholesterol 0.1, Sodium 269.8, Carbohydrate 12.7, Fiber 3.2, Sugar 2.9, Protein 2.9

Tips:

  • Use a variety of lentils and barley: This will give your soup a more complex flavor and texture.
  • Don't skip the sautéing step: Sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices in olive oil will help to develop their flavor and make the soup more flavorful.
  • Use a good quality vegetable broth: This will make a big difference in the flavor of your soup. If you don't have vegetable broth on hand, you can use water, but the soup will be less flavorful.
  • Season the soup to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of yogurt for extra flavor.
  • Garnish the soup with fresh herbs: This will add a pop of color and flavor to your soup. Some good options include parsley, cilantro, and oregano.

Conclusion:

This Zesty Greek Lentil and Barley Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and healthy soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. So next time you are looking for a delicious and nutritious soup, give this recipe a try.

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