Smoked Ham and Barley Soup | RIČET | Traditional Slovenian Ričet Recipe

smoked sausage

🥗Healthier: chicken sausage

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken sausage reduces fat while maintaining flavor.

barley

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: rice

Quinoa offers a gluten-free option with similar texture.

pork

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken

Turkey is leaner and often less expensive than pork.

potatoes

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

💰Cheaper: yams

Sweet potatoes add nutrients and sweetness.

Soak barley in water for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in diced carrots and potatoes; cook for another 5 minutes.

Add soaked barley, smoked sausage, and pork to the pot.

Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients by 2 inches.

Add bay leaves and thyme; bring to a boil over high heat.

Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1-1.5 hours until barley is tender.

Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep stew moist.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Remove bay leaves before serving.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: