Iranian Barley Soup

Warm, hearty, and bursting with vibrant Middle Eastern flavors, Iranian Barley Soup (Ash-e-Jo) is the perfect comfort food for any season. This wholesome recipe combines tender pearl barley, a medley of fresh vegetables, and aromatic turmeric for a rich and satisfying dish. Simmered slowly in a savory broth and finished with fresh parsley and a splash of bright lemon juice, this soup is both nutritious and deeply flavorful. Its velvety texture and subtle notes of garlic and black pepper make it an excellent choice for a light yet filling meal. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate cozy experience. Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this easy-to-make Persian-inspired soup is a must-try for anyone craving a taste of traditional Iranian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 8 cups water
• 1 large onion
• 2 medium carrot
• 2 celery stalks
• 2 large tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 0.25 cup parsley
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and add them to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Slice the carrots and celery, then add them to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Dice the tomatoes and add them to the pot along with the turmeric powder. Stir well to combine and let cook for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Add the rinsed pearl barley, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the soup has thickened slightly.

Step 8

Season with salt and ground black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 9

Finely chop the parsley and stir it into the soup along with the lemon juice. Let simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 10

Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or a side of fresh herbs. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3850.2 grams (3850.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1557

Total Fat 40.50g	52%
Saturated Fat 6.80g	34%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.80g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4844mg	211%
Total Carbohydrate 266.90g	97%
Dietary Fiber 55.60g	199%
Total Sugars 39.50g
Protein 44.70g	89%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 495mg	38%
Iron 14mg	78%
Potassium 3990mg	85%

*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: 22.6%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 66.3%