Gerstensuppe (Swiss Barley Soup)

Warm up with a hearty bowl of Gerstensuppe, a classic Swiss barley soup that's a true celebration of rustic alpine flavors. This comforting dish features tender pearl barley simmered alongside smoky bacon or ham, aromatic vegetables like leek, carrot, and celery, and fragrant herbs such as thyme and bay leaf, all cooked to perfection in a flavorful stock. The addition of diced potatoes gives the soup a creamy texture, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant finishing touch. Perfect for cozy evenings, this one-pot wonder is as wholesome as it is delicious. With minimal prep time and a deeply satisfying, slow-cooked taste, Gerstensuppe is a must-try for those who love traditional European soups.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:75 mins

Total Time:95 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 150 grams pearl barley
• 200 grams smoked bacon or ham
• 30 grams unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion
• 1 large carrot
• 1 large celery stalk
• 1 medium leek
• 1 large potato
• 2 garlic clove
• 1.5 liters vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 to taste salt
• 1 to taste black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pearl barley under cold running water and set aside.

Step 2

Dice the smoked bacon or ham into small cubes.

Step 3

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the bacon or ham cubes and sauté for about 5 minutes until it starts to brown and renders some fat.

Step 4

While the bacon is browning, dice the onion, carrot, celery, and leek. Mince the garlic.

Step 5

Add the onion, carrot, celery, leek, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 6

Peel and dice the potato into small cubes.

Step 7

Add the rinsed barley, diced potato, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs to the pot. Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock, and stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The barley should be tender and the soup thickened.

Step 9

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.

Step 10

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2567.5 grams (2567.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2504

Total Fat 130.80g	168%
Saturated Fat 48.20g	241%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.70g
Cholesterol 297mg	99%
Sodium 12085mg	525%
Total Carbohydrate 228.50g	83%
Dietary Fiber 37.20g	133%
Total Sugars 23.20g
Protein 109.50g	219%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 329mg	25%
Iron 11mg	58%
Potassium 3836mg	82%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.5%

Protein: 17.3%

Carbs: 36.1%