Craving a hearty, nutritious meal that can be ready in just 25 minutes? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with this mouthwatering Instant Pot Barley Minestrone Soup that will transport your taste buds straight to the Italian countryside! Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, this soup is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that will warm your soul and impress your family in record time.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the pearl barley under cold water to remove any excess starch and set aside.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté mode. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pot's bottom.
- Add diced carrots and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add drained kidney beans, diced zucchini, and canned diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed pearl barley. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select Manual/Pressure Cook mode.
- Set the cooking time to 12 minutes at high pressure. Allow for natural pressure release for 5 minutes after cooking completes.
- Carefully release any remaining pressure, open the lid, and stir the soup to ensure even consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Always rinse pearl barley thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent a sticky texture.
- Use fresh vegetables when possible for maximum flavor and nutrition.
- Don't skip the natural pressure release, as it helps the barley absorb more liquid and become perfectly tender.
- For added depth, consider sautéing onions and garlic before adding other vegetables.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some beans or add a small amount of tomato paste.
- Experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil or thyme for a personalized touch.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and often taste even better the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
