Südtiroler Gerstsuppe

⇐ The Green Book ⇐ Soups

This is a traditional soup from the Südtirol - the Alto Adige in italian, the german/italian/ladin speaking part of Italy which borders Austria. It is typically served in the berghütte or rifugios in the mountains - I had it in the Villnöß or Val di Funes located between Brixen and Bolzano. Apparently it is a staple of the food served as part of Törggelen - in autumn, walking in the hills followed by good food and drink (traditionally the new wines).

Ingredients

100g pearl barley

piece of smoked bacon or ham, cut into 5mm dice

1 onion, finely chopped

1 stick celery, finely diced (5mm)

1 carrot, finely diced

1 potato (waxy or vastkokend), finely diced

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1.5l beef broth - I use 1 jar (300ml, which makes 600ml, made up with water to 1.5l)

parsley

salt & pepper

Method

1. Wash the barley with cold water, drain, and cover with water and allow to soak for an hour
2. Gently fry the onions, celery, carrot and garlic in a little oil.
3. Add the drained barley and broth. Add the bacon, if using, to the pot. If using ham, wait until you add the potatoes.
4. Cook for 45-50 minutes or longer till barley is swelled and cooked. Add the ham and potato and cook for another 10 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper and add the parsley
6. Walk up a mountain and serve

Based on https://www.merano-suedtirol.it/de/partschins-rabland-und-toell/natur-kultur/land-leute/brauchtum-tradition/braeuche-zu-martini/205-suedtiroler-gerstsuppe-gerstensuppe-graupensuppe.html

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Barley soup from Südtirol

Barley soup from Südtirol or Alto Adige, Südtiroler Gerstesuppe