Tomato Barley Soup Recipe 435

TOMATO AND BARLEY SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot.
• Add the onions, carrots, celery and garlic. Saute for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are starting to soften.
• While they are cooking pour the barley into a dish with water to cover.
• Add the tomatoes, broth, water, bay leaf, and pepper and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
• Drain the barley and add to the pot.
• Reduce heat and cook at a low boil for about 45 minutes (until the barley is tender).
• Add more water or broth if it thickens too much.

TOMATO BARLEY SOUP

Steps:

• Melt butter in large soup pot (For the vegan version, simply substitute a plant-based oil for the butter. Walnut would be good, but use whatever you have on hand.). Chop onion and saute in butter (oil) until translucent.
• Add spices and stir 'til fragrant.
• Pour in tomato puree, water and barley, and simmer over medium heat until barley is tender (about an hour).
• Turn off heat, add coconut milk, serve. Garnish with basil leaves and/or cheese if desired.
• This soup is GREAT with a grilled cheese sandwich.