Vegetable Barley Soup

I can't find the words to express how much I LOVE vegetable barley soup. Just look at that gorgeous color - it's one big veggie party! In the winter, I like to make use of any frozen veggies on hand (usually peas, corn, green beans, and broccoli.) Like a lot of soups, it's very versatile. Whatever you have, toss it in... no veggie left behind! Some others to include are cabbage (which I love in this), bell pepper, cauliflower, edamame, zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, kale, celery, potato, sweet potato, etc. The nutty, chewy texture of the barley sends it over the top. Follow the recipe below, or use it as a general guideline and create your own healthy, colorful combination.

Vegan, gluten-free (if you use quinoa or rice instead of barley)

Ingredients
1 cup dry barley (or quinoa/rice for gluten-free)
1 onion
3 cloves garlic
3 carrots
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
2 cups frozen green beans
28 oz. can diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth (+ 4 cups water)
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. parsley
2 bay leaves
Salt/pepper to taste

Directions
Cook barley according to package directions.
Meanwhile, dice onion and carrot. Mince garlic.
In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, saute onion, carrots, garlic, basil, and parsley with salt about 7-8 minutes, or until onions and carrots have softened.
Add broth, 4 cups water, tomatoes with juice, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, then add cooked barley and frozen vegetables. Simmer for about 10 minutes until heated through. Remove bay leaves.
Salt/pepper to taste.

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