A few weeks ago it was so cold in LA, I had to wear shoes -instead of sandals or flipflops- for the first time since living here. I also bought a few sweaters and I was looking for a coat.
P was laughing at me, “do you know where it’s cold? In Amsterdam!”
I also got a few texts from friends who laughed when I complained about the cold, “so what’s cold, 20°C?” they were asking. (fyi: 20°C is 68°F)
Well ok. I had to agree with them. It was only 16°C (60°F) during the day and that’s not that cold. But to me it felt like Siberia or so. And since it’s not freezing during the night we’ll be fine 😉
But this colder weather made me crave for winter foods. Instead of making the brussels sprouts salad as I had planned I end up making a typical Dutch mash with potatoes and brussels sprouts and sausage and bacon on the side.
And I made another soup for lunch! A Bacon Barley Soup with Kale, it’s as simple as it sounds but it’s really delicious.
So where ever you are and it’s cold: make this soup! It will warm you up!
This Bacon Barley Soup with Kale is as simple as it sounds but oh so delicious.
Ingredients
- 8 thick bacon strips, cut in 0.5” pieces
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 8 cups broth
- 2 cups pre-cooked Barley (I used Trader Joe’s 10 minute barley)
- 6 packed cups kale
- salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated parmesan
Instructions
- Heat a soup pot over medium high heat and cook the bacon without adding butter or oil.
- Add the onion as soon as the fat runs out of the bacon, cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Add the broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the barley and the kale and let it simmer for 12 minutes until the barley is cooked.
- Add salt & pepper to taste and serve with grated parmesan
Notes
For my Dutch readers: barley is 'gerst'. Als je dat niet makkelijk kunt vinden dan kun je ook 'Tarly' van Honig gebruiken.
Enjoy!
