Ham barley and vegetable soup

Ham barley and vegetable soup

Ham barley and vegetable soup

This is a fantastic soup. The barley really thickens it up - a really hearty meal. I'll make double next time!

Ingredients of Ham barley and vegetable soup

1 tbs olive oil

2 onions, chopped

1 (about 600g) smoked ham hock

10 cups water

1 cup pearl barley, rinsed, drained

2 carrots, sliced

3 celery sticks, sliced

2 zucchini, sliced

Salt & freshly ground pepper

Crusty bread, to serve

Description of Ham barley and vegetable soup

Heat oil in a large, deep saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until soft. Add ham hock and water. Cover and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

Add barley to the pan. Simmer, uncovered, for a further 40 minutes. Add carrots, celery and zucchini and continue to cook for 20 minutes or until the meat starts to fall off the bone. Remove ham hock from soup and set aside to cool slightly. Remove pan from heat.

Once meat is cool enough to handle, remove flesh. Shred or chop. Return to the pan. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Return pan to low heat and stir until heated through.

Divide soup among serving bowls. Serve with bread.

Notes & tips for Ham barley and vegetable soup

Wine suggestion: Fresh and zesty, Peter Lehmann Semillon is a refreshingly crisp wine. Serve lightly chilled, it goes well with chicken and seafood. It can be cellared to develop its honey flavours.

Ham barley and vegetable soup

Preparation Time 15 minutes/Cooking Time 100 minutes/serves 6

Source - Taste.com.au