Bowl of Barley & Cheese Soup
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Barley & Cheese Soup


Ecuador   -   Sopa de Cebada Perlada con Queso

Makes:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  
13 cups
***
2-1/4 hrs
Yes
A substantial, satisfying, and nourishing soup which can be made ahead. It requires no exotic ingredients, and is ol vegetarian. See also Comments.

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2/3
5
2
3
3
6
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11
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6
3
2
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2
1/2
1/3
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1
1-1/3
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2
1/4
2

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-- Broth
Barley (1)
Onion
Garlic
Cilantro sprig
Parsley sprig
Water
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Cabbage, white
Potatoes (2)
Cheese, soft (3)  
Onion
Garlic
-- Seasonings
Salt
Pepper, black  
Cumin
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Olive Oil
Milk
-- Garnish
White Onion
Cilantro
Parsley

Broth   -   (55 min - 5 min work)
  1. Cut ONION in quarters lengthwise, but retaining the root end to hold it together.
  2. Crush GARLIC and chop fine.
  3. Place all Broth items into a suitable pot and bring to a boil. simmer until Barley is tender. Especially if using white pearled Barley, be sure to scrape it up off the bottom often to prevent burning.
  4. Remove Onion and Herb Sprigs. Hold the Barley and Broth for the recipe. The Onion is delicious at this point, so I slice it and eat it.
Meanwhile: Prep   -   (50 min )
  1. Chop CABBAGE small, into about 1/2 inch pieces.
  2. Peel POTATOES and cut into about 3/4 inch cubes. Hold in cold water until needed.
  3. Chop ONION small.
  4. Crush GARLIC and chop fine.
  5. Grind Cumin and mix all Seasoning items.
  6. Shred CHEESE.
  7. For Garnish:   Chop WHITE ONION small. Chop CILANTRO small. Chop PARSLEY small. Mix all.
Run   -   (1-1/4 hr)
  1. Place Broth (with Barley) into a sizeable soup pot (4 to 5 quart) and bring it to a boil. Add Cabbage and set to a fast simmer.
  2. Meanwhile: In a skillet or sauté pan, heat Oil and fry Onions over moderate heat until starting to color. Stir in Garlic and Seasonings mix for another 30 seconds, then stir into Broth.
  3. After 20 minutes cooking the cabbage, stir in Potatoes and continue to simmer until Potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Remember to scrape up the bottom often.
  4. Stir in Milk. Sprinkle in Cheese while stirring. Keep at a high simmer until Cheese is completely melted.
  5. Check seasoning and liquid. It should have more liquid than you may think it should, because it will thicken in the bowl.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with Garnish mix. See also Serving.
NOTES:
  1. Barley, Pearled:

      I use a lightly pearled Barley that still has noticeable color. It has more flavor and doesn't have so much "burn to the pan" problems as the fully pearled white Barley found in supermarkets. It is available from markets serving a Central European or Near Eastern community. Hulled Barley (much darker) can be used, but should be soaked overnight before cooking. For details see our Barley page.
  2. Potatoes:

      White Rose or similar work well in recipes of this sort. Avoid Klondike Gold type potatoes - they turn to mush if cooked a little more than the minimum. For details see our Potatoes page.
  3. Cheese:

      For this recipe you need a cheese that melts well. Examples would be Panquehue from Chile, or Quesadilla / Asadero, Manchego, or Oaxaca from Mexico, or Monterey Jack from California. For details see our Varieties of Cheese page.
  4. Serving:

      If serving on the buffet, bring it to a simmer, then pour it into a slow cooker set to "Keep Warm". When it is down to slow temperature (150° to 155°F (66° to 68°C)), stir in the Garnish.
  5. Comments:

      If you do this recipe far ahead, or if you do the Broth far ahead, The Barley will continue to swell for some time, and you'll have to add more water for a soup consistency. If reheating, use moderately high heat and be particularly diligent with scraping the bottom to prevent burning.
  6. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch, ar=as required tt=to taste
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