It appears that were already in the middle of the winter season. Which means you’ve likely either had by now or in the middle of, fighting off the case of the sniffles somewhere in your household.
What would be better at times like this, then something full of warmth right?
Let’s say for example warmth from the steam rolling off your bowl and into your sinuses or the soothing warmth of the flavourful broth you slurp into your mouth, possibly soothing a sore or itchy throat.
Well warmth signifies comfort and what gives you more warmth and comfort in food formation then soup!
Now you also don’t need to be sick to relish in this comfort. Hubby works outdoors so a
Thermos of homemade soup is a great lunch option for ¾’s of the year!
The beauty of soup, (especially when sick) is the nutrition you can stack in it!
Add the glorious grains of fibre like the Pot Barely and or pasta used here.
You get vitamin’s from veggies like carrots and celery (so would have added spinach if I had any in house).
Protein can come from meat or beans, using meatballs as our source today.
Soups to me are such an easy way to play with flavours! As you can see my little tester surely enjoyed his bowl!
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1 celery sprig sliced
- 1 large or 2 small carrots sliced
- Approx. 12 frozen meatballs
- Salt to taste
- ½ tsp fresh pepper
- 1 tsp of chilli powder
- ½ tsp parsley flakes or omit and add about tbsp. fresh at end.
- 1 carton of good quality beef (or chicken, vegtable) broth (or even better about a litre of homemade)
- *1/3-1/2 cup of pot barley
- *1/3-1/2 cup of noodles (I used alphabets)
- Heat the oil in a large pan or Dutch oven.
- Toss in the celery and carrots to soften up.
- Add frozen meatballs and spices. Give a stir to combine.
- Add broth and bring to a boil.
- **If using barley add now and let simmer until softened for about 20-30 min.
- Add pasta and cook less a minute or two to what pasta is normal cooked at.
- *you can use both or double up on one or the other if omitting one. Also, use more or less to what is preferred more broth vs more substance. Keep in mind both grains soak up broth and may need to add more or some water if kept as leftovers.
- **base how long you cook barley on how long you need for pasta. If pack of barely says to cook 30 min, make sure you get that cook time in. For example if your pasta is 10min to cook, barely takes 30 min then you would cook 20 min before adding pasta.
Serve with Naan (I keep stash in freezer and just toast one as needed) like I did or, any bread or crackers. Enjoy and keep warm!
I am always looking for a simple delicious meal and this looks yummy, thanks for the recipe.