Soup · Main Course · Dinner · Icelandic · European ·

Icelandic Kjötsúpa with Thyme and Barley

Name: Icelandic Kjötsúpa with Thyme and Barley
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Soup
Ingredients: Lamb shoulder, 1.5 lbs, cubed; Water, 8 cups; Salt, 2 teaspoons; Bay leaves, 2 leaves; Carrots, 2, sliced; Potatoes, 3, peeled and cubed; Onion, 1 large, chopped; Barley, 1/3 cup; Rutabaga, 1/3 cup, cubed; Dried thyme, 1 teaspoon; Black pepper, To taste; Fresh parsley, 1/4 cup, chopped

A traditional Icelandic soup brimming with tender lamb, wholesome barley, and a medley of root vegetables, infused with the earthy aroma of thyme.

4.2(972 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·October 5, 2025

Icelandic Kjötsúpa with Thyme and Barley — Soup served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h

Cook

3 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Soup Base

For the Vegetables

For the Seasoning

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 318 kcal
Protein: 21.33 g
Carbs: 21.5 g
Fat: 15.83 g
Fiber: 3.33 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1906 kcal
Protein: 128 g
Carbs: 129 g
Fat: 95 g
Fiber: 20 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Lamb shoulder 1.5 lbs, cubed	1360	115	0	95	0
Water 8 cups	0	0	0	0	0
Salt 2 teaspoons	0	0	0	0	0
Bay leaves 2 leaves	0	0	1	0	0
Carrots 2, sliced	50	1	12	0	4
Potatoes 3, peeled and cubed	340	8	80	0	8
Onion 1 large, chopped	60	2	14	0	3
Barley 1/3 cup	75	2	16	0	3
Rutabaga 1/3 cup, cubed	15	0	4	0	1
Dried thyme 1 teaspoon	3	0	1	0	1
Black pepper To taste	2	0	1	0	0
Fresh parsley 1/4 cup, chopped	1	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Lamb

1
Rinse and Dry
Rinse the lamb cubes under cold water and pat dry.
2
Season Lamb
Season lamb with salt and let it rest for 10 minutes.
3
Combine in Pot
In a large pot, combine lamb with 8 cups of water and bay leaves.

Preparing the Vegetables

1
Chop Vegetables
While the lamb is cooking, peel and chop the carrots, potatoes, onion, and rutabaga.
2
Rinse Barley
Rinse the barley under cold water and set aside.
3
Prep Herbs
Prepare a bouquet of thyme and parsley for garnishing.

How to Make Icelandic Kjötsúpa with Thyme and Barley

Total time: 4 h · Yields 6 servings

1
Simmering the Lamb
Bring the lamb and water mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1.5 hours.
2
Adding Vegetables and Barley
Add the chopped vegetables and barley to the pot; simmer for another hour.
3
Final Seasoning
Stir in thyme and adjust salt and pepper to taste.