Hider dried soup mix

suki1964

That's the base of vegetable soup here in NI We also do soup mix which is bags of chopped leeks, carrots and parsley

This is how I have been taught how to make soup here

Cover the bottom of the soup pan with a single layer of the dry mix, rinse well, then top up with the fresh veg, fill the pan with water, bring to the boil and let it boil away for an hour or so, topping up with water if needed.

When cooked, you want the pearl barley to be soft enough to eat, but not turning to glue, add your seasoning. Now I use stock pots or boullion, it does take a lot of salt

What you should be left with is a thickish broth, lots of veg, with enough liquid to dunk the wheaten in. Too much dry veg and you get wallpaper paste

It's very traditional here and is on all menus. My husband and the kids love it, I detest it. I usually stick the hand blender in for a quick wiz to give is a more smooth texture and thicker liquid

[Deleted User]

Just had a bowl for lunch and while it was OK I think I would probably prefer my fresh veg soups, but as it was a freebie I will use it up.Having only used half the packet I will probably use the rest as a thickening ingredient in a stew or sauce.It is a bit 'gluey' but certaily lines your tummy and I am quite full up now :):) Perhaps I should have whizzed it in the blender, but its free food so i don't knock it :) Thanks everyone for your help

JackieO xx