Servings: 8-10
Ingredients:
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 stalks of celery, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)
– 3/4 cup pearl barley, rinsed
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 cups of vegetable stock
– 2 cups of water
– Salt to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. In your slow cooker, combine the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and cabbage, layering them to allow for an even distribution of flavors.
2. Sprinkle the pearl barley over the vegetables and add the bay leaf, thyme, paprika, and black pepper.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock and water, ensuring the barley and vegetables are fully submerged.
4. Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re a bit more pressed for time, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours.
5. Once the barley is tender and the soup is rich and the flavors melded, season with salt to taste.
6. Discard the bay leaf and garnish with chopped parsley before serving if desired.
Variations & Tips:
– For the carnivores out there, feel free to brown some diced kielbasa or other smoked sausage and add it to the soup for added smokiness and protein.
– If barley isn’t your grain of choice, you can substitute it with farro or even brown rice; just be mindful of the cooking times, as they can vary.
– To add a tangy twist, stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice just before serving.
– If you want a richer soup, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese does wonders when serving.
– For those with time to spare and a love for layered flavors, sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery before adding them to the slow cooker can enhance the soup’s sweetness and complexity.

Remember, a recipe is merely a blueprint. Do not hesitate to get creative and tailor this soup to your palate. The slow cooker is a forgiving vessel, and this Cabbage Barley Soup is an excellent canvas for your culinary artwork.