A bowl of Jamie Oliver’s Winter Vegetable Soup, packed with fresh root vegetables, is a tasty and substantial dinner for the colder months. Along with eliminating the need for dairy, pearl barley makes the soup thick and creamy.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The recipe is incredibly easy to follow and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The ingredients are simple and affordable, so you don’t have to break the bank to make a delicious meal.
- The flavor of Jamie Oliver’s Winter Vegetable Soup is subtly savory and flavorful, and it’s a great way to get your daily dose of veggies.

Jamie Oliver Winter Vegetable Soup Ingredients
- Olive Oil. Used as the primary fat in the sautéing process. It browns the veggies and imparts a subtle buttery taste.
- Onion. Cooking brings out its natural sugars and savory notes, while also softening it.
- Carrot. Enhances the stew’s flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- Celery. Subtle vegetable flavor and a satisfying crunch are added.
- Swede (Rutabaga). Boosts the stew’s sweetness and nuttiness while also adding a starchy mouthfeel.
- Turnip. Gives the stew a starchy texture and a somewhat sweet and earthy taste.
- Parsnip. Brings a starchy texture and a somewhat sweet and earthy taste to the stew.
- Rosemary. An earthy, robust herb that gives the stew its signature bite.
- Sage. A robust, savory herb with an earthy taste that works well in this stew.
- Bay Leaves. Typically removed before serving, they impart a mild fragrant taste to the stew.
- Pearled Barley. Stews benefit from this variety of barley, which has had the outer husk removed since it makes the food chewier and gives it a nutty taste. It has to soak in water overnight to soften up before being used.
- Vegetable Stock. The stew would be lacking taste and texture without this as the basic liquid.
- Salt And Pepper. It’s used to make the veggies more flavorful and to highlight the other elements.
- Parsley. Adds a burst of fresh, green flavor to the stew and is used as a garnish.
What Toppings Can I Add To Winter Vegetable Soup?
Toppings you can add to winter vegetable soup include croutons, chopped herbs, grated cheese, sour cream, or yogurt. These toppings can add a nice crunch and extra flavor to the soup.
Can I Use Canned Vegetables For Winter Vegetable Soup?
You can use canned vegetables for winter vegetable soup, but it is best to use fresh vegetables whenever possible. Canned vegetables can have added salt and preservatives, which can affect the overall taste of the soup. Additionally, fresh vegetables will have a more vibrant color and better texture.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add To Winter Vegetable Soup?
Other vegetables that you can add to winter vegetable soup include root vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and beets. You can also add leafy greens such as kale or chard, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower.
Raw barley is the same as any other whole grain, such as rice or wheat berries, before it is cooked. Perfectly cooked in the soup’s boiling broth. Be careful not to let the liquid level drop too low, as the big grains will absorb a lot of water when cooking.
How To Make Jamie Oliver Winter Vegetable Soup
- Preheat a big saucepan over medium heat.
- Combine the olive oil and onion in a mixing bowl.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion has softened and begun to color.
- Add the other veggies and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened somewhat.
- Combine the rosemary, sage, bay leaves, and barley in a mixing bowl.
- Bring the vegetable stock to a boil, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the barley is tender. Check the liquid level from time to time, and add extra hot water or stock if the soup seems too thick.
- Check the spices and stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve with crusty bread.

What To Serve With Winter Vegetable Soup?
- Warm Crusty Bread. A slice of warm and crusty bread topped with butter is a great accompaniment to the Jamie Oliver Winter Vegetable Soup. The bread will soak up the flavourful broth and make a hearty meal.
- Cheese Toasties. Toast some slices of bread and top with a layer of cheese, then place them in the oven to melt. Serve with the soup for a warm and comforting meal.
- Salad. A light and fresh salad is a great way to balance out the warm and comforting soup. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to add some crunch and color to the meal.
- Roasted Root Vegetables. Roast up some root vegetables such as carrots and parsnips to add some sweetness and texture to the soup. The vegetables will pick up some of the flavors of the soup and make it even more delicious.
- Garlic Bread. Make some garlic bread to serve with the soup for a garlicky and comforting side. The garlic will give the soup a little extra flavor and make it even more delicious.
Recipe Variations
How To Store Winter Vegetable Soup?
- In The Fridge. To store Winter Vegetable Soup, it is best to cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Make sure the container is not too large as the soup may not freeze well. Place the container in the refrigerator and use the soup within 3-4 days.
- In The Freezer. To freeze Winter Vegetable Soup, first, let the soup cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container, leaving a bit of headspace at the top. Place the container in the freezer and use the soup within 3-4 months.
- To Reheat. To reheat Winter Vegetable Soup, transfer it to a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until the soup is hot. If the soup is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat the soup in the microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30 seconds intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is hot.
The following are some suggestions to help you produce a tasty and successful pot of winter vegetable soup:
- You should not be fooled by the beautiful purple heirloom carrots sold at some farmer’s markets. When I originally started making this soup, I envisioned little bits of purple carrot sprinkled around the pot for a splash of color and visual intrigue. However, the unusual purple-grey hue was caused by the broth absorbing the rich purple hue of the heirloom carrot. The meal as a whole looked terrible, and the carrot itself had become a faint orange color. Thankfully, it was enjoyable enough to try again. Here we’re using regular old orange carrots.
- Make sure each veggie is chopped into pieces no larger than a swollen barley grain (around 5mm). The soup turns out well, and picky eaters have a harder time identifying individual veggies.
- Since barley is a very good liquid absorber, the soup will thicken significantly after being left sit. If the soup has thickened to the consistency of stew by the time it is ready to be served, simply add a bit more stock or water while it reheats to loosen it back up.
- The soup may be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, or frozen for up to four months.
- Once defrosted, the frozen soup will have a thick consistency. While reheating, just add extra liquid, such as stock or water.
How Do You Thicken Winter Vegetable Soup?
To thicken winter vegetable soup, you can add starchy ingredients such as potatoes, barley, or cornstarch. Another option is to puree some of the vegetables and add them back to the soup.
Can I Add Cheese To My Winter Vegetable Soup?
You can add cheese to your winter vegetable soup, but it will depend on the type of cheese you choose. Hard cheeses such as Parmesan or pecorino can be grated and added to the soup for added flavor. Soft cheeses such as brie or blue cheese can be added to the soup for a creamy texture.
Can I Make Winter Vegetable Soup Ahead?
You can make winter vegetable soup ahead of time, but it is best to store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. This will prevent the soup from spoiling.
Can I Make This Soup In The Instant Pot?
You can also make this soup in an Instant Pot. Simply sauté the vegetables in the Instant Pot using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Try More Recipes:
- Jamie Oliver Carrot And Parsnip Soup
- Jamie Oliver Italian Tomato Soup
- Jamie Oliver Italian Fish Stew
Jamie Oliver Winter Vegetable Soup Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
Nutrition Facts Source: Source
Serving Size 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 129
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3.4g6%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Sodium 360mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 19g7%
- Dietary Fiber 2.6g11%
- Sugars 3.6g
- Protein 3.8g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.