Vegetarian Rassolnik (Russian Barley and Pickle Soup)
Description
Rassolnik is a classic Russian soup with barley and pickles usually prepared with meat. This is a vegetarian version made with mushrooms.
Ingredients
•
1/3 cup pearl barley
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6 cups water
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 medium onion, minced
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1 (12 ounce) package button mushrooms, chopped
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2 medium potatoes, diced
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1 carrot, diced
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2 large bay leaves
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1 tablespoon dried dill
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salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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3 pickles, diced
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1/4 cup sour cream, for topping
Directions
1
Combine barley and plenty of cold water in a bowl and soak overnight. Drain.
2
Fill a stockpot with 6 cups of water. Add drained barley and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
3
Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook onion until browned, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and keep cooking until they start to release their liquid, 5 to 10 minutes. Set aside.
4
After barley has been cooking for 30 minutes, add sauteed mushrooms, potatoes, carrot, bay leaves, dill, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 more minutes. Add pickles and cook for 5 more minutes. If the water evaporates too much, you can add more.