Sausage Barley Soup
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Tender grains of barley pair with smoked sausage, bacon, potatoes and plenty of other vegetables to make a hearty Sausage Barley Soup that our family enjoys!
Sausage Barley Soup Recipe
Pearl barley provides a unique texture that adds intrigue to a typical soup recipe. The combination of smoked flavors in the Kielbasa or Smoked Sausage and bacon adds intrigue and enjoyment to this Barley Soup recipe.
Also known as Graupensuppe or German Barley Soup, we like to call this recipe Sausage Barley Soup. I appreciate that our former Ohio State Extension Home Economics Agent shared this as one of her favorites!
More common soups in our house are our Roasted Tomato Soup, Vegetable Beef Soup with Cabbage and Ham and Potato Soup.
As a whole grain that’s high in fiber, barley is complimented by the fresh produce it cooks with. Onion, potato, carrots, celery and a leek round out our pot of Sausage and Barley Soup.
We love how Smoked Sausage enhances this soup as well as a Smoked Sausage and Noodle Casserole and Kielbasa and Noodles with Cabbage.
Ingredients Needed:
- Smoked Sausage – browning is optional, I don’t usually take the time to do this in soup
- Bacon – cook and crumble
- Pearled Barley
- Beef Broth – a couple boxes or make your own with Better Than Bouillon
- Fresh Potatoes – 1 large or 2 medium
- Carrots – a bag of grated carrots cooks the fastest and saves time chopping
- Celery
- Leek
- Oregano – can substitute marjoram
- Salt – I like sea salt or kosher salt
- Black Pepper
- Parsley – for garnish and a little fresh flavor
Another delicious warm dish with similar heritage is this German Potato Dumplings recipe.
Where To Find Pearl Barley
Pearl barley is a food grade grain that is a specialty food. While carried in most large grocery stores there is typically only one brand and it is likely out of eye sight.
Typically near the rice, lentils and other grains it can be helpful to look on the app ahead of time to locate before getting to the store.
Look in lower traffic areas like the very bottom or very top shelf. Or pick up Pearl Barley on Amazon.
Barley Soup Variation with Ham
Simply substitute the sausage and bacon for chopped ham to make a ham and barley soup.
Bacon can still be used, or add more ham to have plenty of meat.
Similar to our Amish Meatloaf and Country Ribs and Sauerkraut, this is a farmhouse style meal that will fill you up after working hard outside.
How to Make Barley Soup
Chop vegetables while the bacon is cooking. Then crumble and set aside.
In a medium to large stock pot melt butter and then add onions. Stir over medium high heat until transclucent.
Then add pearl barley and stir until becoming lightly brown or beginning to become toasted.
Dissolve beef bouillon in hot water. Add to the pot and add any remaining water.
Stir in all remaining ingredients except the parsley which will garnish the cooked soup.
Add the meat and vegetables.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes until all of the ingredients are tender.
Scoop into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!
More Easy Family Meals
Smoked Sausage Sheet Pan Meal is complete with onions, peppers and potatoes and flavored packed just like our skillet version of Kielbasa and Potatoes.
Crock Pot Country Ribs are slathered with BBQ sauce and fall of the bone tender.
SPAM Fried Rice creates a wonderful spin on a classic skillet meal.
Sauerkraut Meatballs marries cranberry sauce, meatballs and sauerkraut.
Sausage Barley Soup
Author: JenniferIngredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 cup pearl barley uncooked
- 3 tablespoons beef bouillon I use Better Than Bouillon
- 8 cups water
- 2 cups potatoes cut into 1" cube
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 cup carrots chopped or grated
- 1 leek chopped
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 4 slices bacon
- 7 ounces Smoked Sausage or Kielbasa sliced
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook and crumble bacon.4 slices bacon
- Dissolve beef bouillon in a measure cup with 2 cups of hot water.3 tablespoons beef bouillon
- Set a 6 quart stock pot over medium high heat. Melt butter and stir in chopped onion. Stir often until onions are translucent.2 tablespoons butter, 1 medium onion
- Add barley and stir until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.1 cup pearl barley
- Add beef broth and remaining water. Stir well.8 cups water
- Add chopped potatoes, celery, carrots, leek, oregano, sausage and bacon.2 cups potatoes, 1 cup celery, 1 cup carrots, 1 leek, 1 teaspoon oregano, 7 ounces Smoked Sausage or Kielbasa
- Stir well and bring to a simmer. Turn down to medium heat and cook covered for about 30 minutes until barley and vegetables are cooked and tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle parsley on top.2 teaspoons sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 cup parsley