As the chilly fall weather settles in, there's nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of homemade soup. This Mushroom and Barley Soup is a perfect blend of earthy mushrooms and hearty barley, making it a cozy, nutrient-packed meal.
Plus, with the addition of just better.® Prebiotic Fiber, you’ll get the extra benefit of supporting gut and cardiovascular health while enjoying this flavorful dish. It's an ideal choice for keeping your pantry stocked with wholesome ingredients for fall!
Main Ingredient Highlights:
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses, rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They are particularly high in B vitamins, such as riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which help support energy metabolism and overall brain health.
Mushrooms are also one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin D, essential for bone health and immune function.
Their high antioxidant content, especially selenium and ergothioneine, helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation. In cooking, mushrooms add a savory, umami-rich depth of flavor that enhances the overall complexity of dishes like soups, stews, and grain bowls.
Barley
Barley is a nutrient-dense whole grain that stands out for its high fiber content, particularly beta-glucan, a soluble fiber known for its cholesterol-lowering and heart-health benefits.
In addition to fiber, barley provides a good dose of protein, vitamins like B6, and essential minerals such as magnesium, selenium, and manganese, which are crucial for bone health, metabolic function, and antioxidant defense.
The complex carbohydrates in barley help stabilize blood sugar levels, making it an excellent choice for those seeking sustained energy and balanced blood sugars.
Barley’s firm, slightly chewy texture holds up well in soups and stews, while its nutty flavor enhances everything from casseroles to salads, making it a versatile pantry staple.
just better.® Prebiotic Fiber
Completely dissolvable and flavorless, just better.® Prebiotic Fiber supports gut health by feeding good bacteria—all without changing the taste or texture of your favorite recipes.
Are you ready? Soup’s on! 😀
just better.® Mushroom and Barley Soup
Ingredients
1 Cup pearled barley, rinsed
2 Tablespoons avocado oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or portobello), sliced
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
8 cups vegetable broth
1 Tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for extra umami)
½ Cup just better.® Prebiotic Fiber
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Heat the avocado oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the sliced mushrooms, carrots, and celery to the pot, cooking until the vegetables begin to soften, about 7 minutes.
Stir in the barley, allowing it to toast slightly with the vegetables for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable broth, add the bay leaves, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 40–45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors are well combined.
Stir in the soy sauce (if using), just better.® Prebiotic Fiber, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the bay leaves before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this just better.® Mushroom and Barley Soup with a simple green salad with a light dressing. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future meals.
Simplicity with just better.® Prebiotic Fiber
Cooking with just better.® Prebiotic Fiber is seamless—simply stir it into your favorite drinks and dishes to support your gut health—without changing the taste or texture of your favorite foods. Whether you’re making soup, smoothies, or baked goods, just better.® is a versatile addition to any meal, helping you stay on track with your wellness goals.
Try this recipe today and give your gut the love it deserves with just better.® Prebiotic Fiber!
Need more inspiration for your fall meals? Explore our blog, Bulk Up Your Pantry: 10 Whole Grains for Fall Recipes, and discover how simple it is to stock your kitchen with nutritious staples.
Looking for a pantry upgrade?
Grab our bulk-sized just better.® Prebiotic Fiber pouches
and enjoy Spooktacular Savings through Halloween night at 11:59 PM!