Vegetable Barley Soup and Cheddar Biscuits

Like so many other parts of the country the Pacific Northwest has been hit with cold temperatures and heavy rain.  Our winter was dry and mild and I was sure spring was here, but no way. 

We're back to soup weather and vegetable barley sounded like the perfect warmer upper.  I was inspired by all the beautiful veggies at the farmers' market last week so selected a few for this pot of soup.  Any combo is delicious - this happens to be my favorite.

Vegetable Barley Soup

10 cups good stock - I made a beef stock with veggies and beef shanks, but chicken or vegetable would be great also

1 cup barley

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

2 cups celery, sliced

2 cups carrots, sliced

1 cup onion, diced

1 large rutabaga, peeled and cut into small cubes

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Bring the stock to boiling in a large pot.  Add barley, cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes till tender.

Melt butter in a large skillet.  Add olive oil and chopped vegetables and cook over medium heat until onions are tender.  Use any combination of vegetables that you like.  I add a diced rutabaga because it adds so much flavor to the broth. Add the sauteed vegetables to the stock and simmer until tender.  Add fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper. 

This barley soup is mild in flavor so I wanted to serve a biscuit that had a lot going on and whipped up a batch of Ann's Country Biscuits. You will find all kinds of wonderful breads at Thibeault's Table and this biscuit recipe is one I go to regularly. To kick up the flavors I added grated cheddar cheese, a little sweet paprika and a handful of spring chives that I now have in my herb garden.  These biscuits will make perfect little ham sandwiches after Easter dinner.  A scoop of egg salad on a sliced biscuit would be delicious too.   I hope you will stop by to visit Ann because you will love her recipes as much as I do.

                                                       

Today is Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum and I hope you will drop by for a visit. I always look forward to all the wonderful friends I will visit there.  Won't you join in the party?