Mushroom Barley Kielbasa Soup

Warm, hearty, and bursting with rustic flavor, this Mushroom Barley Kielbasa Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. This one-pot wonder combines tender slices of smoky kielbasa sausage, nutty pearl barley, and earthy mushrooms with a rich base of chicken broth, aromatic thyme, and a touch of garlic. Perfectly balanced with hearty vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, this soup is both satisfying and wholesome. With just 15 minutes of prep and a simmering time that allows the flavors to meld beautifully, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, and serve steaming hot to savor every nourishing spoonful. Whether you’re craving a cozy winter soup or a hearty meal in any season, this dish delivers on every level!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 0.75 cups pearl barley
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the sliced kielbasa sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.

Step 5

Stir in the pearl barley and cook for 1-2 minutes, toasting it slightly.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Return the browned kielbasa to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low, cover partially with a lid, and let the soup simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors have melded.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3030 grams (3030.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2034

Total Fat 115.30g	148%
Saturated Fat 36.90g	185%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 160mg	53%
Sodium 8636mg	375%
Total Carbohydrate 169.90g	62%
Dietary Fiber 34.40g	123%
Total Sugars 25.90g
Protein 81.90g	164%

Vitamin D 23IU	114%
Calcium 428mg	33%
Iron 15mg	84%
Potassium 4031mg	86%

*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: 50.7%

Protein: 16.0%

Carbs: 33.2%