Barley Soup

This barley soup is a nourishing and grounding meal according to Ayurveda, it is also alkaline. Pearl barley is an alkaline grain that is easy to digest and it is rich in minerals and fibers. The root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and potatoes are grounding and provide nourishment to the body. The spices and ghee used in the recipe provide warmth and digestive support. This soup is perfect for lunch or dinner and it could be served with a slice of bread or a simple salad.

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 1 tsp mustard seeds

• 1 tsp fennel seeds

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 3 cloves

• 1 tsp turmeric

• pinch of asafetida

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 tbsp ghee

• 1 carrot, diced small-medium

• 1 small sweet potato, diced small-medium

• 1 big potato, diced small-medium

• 1 cup pearl barley, well washed

• 7 cups of water

• 1 cup of broccoli florets

• 1 cup of cauliflower florets

• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat the ghee over medium heat.

2. Add the mustard seeds, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, cloves, turmeric, asafetida, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves to the pot and cook until the seeds start to pop.

3. Add the diced carrot, sweet potato, and potatoes to the pot and stir well with the ghee and spices.

4. Add the well-washed pearl barley and 6 cups of water to the pot.

5. Bring the soup to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes.

6. Once the barley is cooked, add the broccoli and cauliflower florets and stir well.

7. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serve the soup hot and enjoy!

According to Ayurveda, the health benefits of this soup include its ability to balance the Pitta dosha, because of the alkalizing quality of the barley. The grounding root vegetables, warming spices, and oily ghee used in the recipe all help to balance Vata and promote a sense of calm and stability.

Barley is also known for its ability to cleanse the body and support healthy digestion. It is rich in dietary fibers which helps in the removal of toxins and promotes healthy digestion. Barley is also a rich source of minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and zinc which are essential for maintaining the pH balance of the body, and promoting alkalinity. It is a nourishing grain that is easy to digest and is often used in Ayurvedic cooking as a soothing food for the digestive system. Overall, barley is considered to be a grounding, nourishing, and alkalizing food that can help to promote overall health and wellbeing.