Amish Snow Day Soup

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Tomatoes

Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and pour in the broth. Stir to combine. At this stage, the soup starts forming its rich, comforting base.

Step 5: Season the Soup

Sprinkle in the thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the bay leaf for extra aroma. Stir well, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Add Grains

Add the pearl barley or rice to the pot. These grains will thicken the soup slightly and make it more filling.

Step 7: Simmer

Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 45-50 minutes for barley (or 20-25 minutes for rice), stirring occasionally. The flavors meld beautifully during this slow cooking process.

Step 8: Add Greens

About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped kale or spinach. This adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast that balances the rich soup. Cook until the greens are tender but still vibrant.

Step 9: Final Taste Check

Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little extra broth or water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little freshly ground black pepper or a dash of shredded cheese on top. Serve with warm crusty bread or cornbread for a truly Amish-inspired winter meal.

Tips for the Perfect Amish Snow Day Soup:

1. Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
2. Customize: Add your favorite root vegetables, like parsnips or turnips, for extra heartiness.
3. Protein swap: Try using diced ham or leftover rotisserie chicken for a different twist.
4. Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Why It’s Special:
Amish Snow Day Soup embodies the simplicity and warmth of Amish cooking. Using humble ingredients, it transforms them into a rich, comforting dish that nourishes both body and soul. Perfect for snowy afternoons, it’s a recipe that invites family and friends to slow down, enjoy, and savor every spoonful.

If you want, I can also make a short, easy-to-follow version of this recipe with timed steps, perfect for busy cooks who still want that authentic Amish flavor.

Do you want me to make that version too?