If you're searching for a heartwarming dish that embodies the essence of Italian comfort food, look no further than this delightful Barilla Ditalini Soup with Barley and Potatoes! With its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients, this soup is not just a meal—it's a hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a boost, this recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1/2 cup barley
- 2 potatoes
- 1 onion
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing and peeling potatoes, then dice them into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size.
- Finely chop the onion, ensuring pieces are consistent to promote even cooking and flavor distribution.
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced potatoes to the pot and stir, allowing them to lightly brown and develop flavor for approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and add barley.
- Simmer the barley and potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until barley becomes tender and potatoes are partially cooked.
- Add ditalini pasta to the pot and continue cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and slightly thicken.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, prepare your vegetables in advance. Dice the potatoes and chop the onions the night before, so you can simply toss them into the pot when you're ready to cook.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding minced garlic along with the onions when sautéing. A splash of white wine can also elevate the broth's taste.
- Perfect Pasta: Be mindful of the cooking time for the ditalini pasta. To avoid overcooking, add it to the pot when the barley is nearly done, ensuring it remains al dente.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or spinach. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Garnish for Greatness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can transform your soup from delicious to extraordinary. Don’t skip this step!
- Storage Tips: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
- Freezing: If you want to make a big batch, this soup freezes beautifully. Just leave out the pasta before freezing, and add it fresh when you reheat the soup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
