Грибной Суп с Перловкой — Mushroom Barley Soup

Russian Fast With Oil Published April 10, 2026

Dried forest mushrooms give this soup an almost meaty intensity that fresh mushrooms cannot match.
Paired with pearl barley, this is one of the most filling fasting soups in the Russian tradition.
It has sustained monastics through long winters for as long as anyone can remember.

FASTING LEVEL: Fast With Oil (to adapt for strict oil-free days, omit the oil sauté — simply add all vegetables directly to the broth and simmer)

SERVINGS: 6
TIME: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus overnight soaking for mushrooms)

INGREDIENTS:
- 40 g dried porcini or mixed forest mushrooms
- 150 g pearl barley (перловка), rinsed
- 3 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 2 litres water
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh dill and parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste

METHOD:
1. Soak dried mushrooms in 500 ml warm water for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Strain the soaking liquid through a fine sieve or cheesecloth and reserve — this is liquid gold.
2. Chop the rehydrated mushrooms.
3. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, sauté for 5-7 minutes.
4. Add chopped mushrooms and cook 3 minutes more.
5. Pour in the reserved mushroom liquid and remaining water. Add pearl barley and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 40 minutes.
6. Add potatoes and continue simmering for 20 minutes, until barley and potatoes are tender.
7. Add garlic, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2 more minutes.
8. Remove bay leaves. Serve with a generous handful of fresh dill and parsley.

NOTES:
- Pearl barley continues to absorb liquid as it sits. When reheating, add more water or broth.
- If you cannot find dried porcini, any dried wild mushroom blend works. Avoid using only fresh mushrooms — the dried ones provide the backbone of flavour.
- For added protein, stir in a drained can of white beans or chickpeas in step 6.

NUTRITION (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 220 | Protein: 7 g | Carbohydrates: 40 g | Fat: 5 g | Fibre: 6 g