Hearty Vegetable and Barley Soup

Hearty Vegetable and Barley Soup is a warm and comforting meal packed with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon oil (or water for sautéing)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chopped leafy greens (e.g., spinach or kale)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
   
   
2. Add garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   
   
3. Stir in the barley, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
   
   
4. Add the leafy greens and frozen peas. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the greens are wilted and peas are heated through.
   
   
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
   
   
6. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cost-Saving Tips:

• Use seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand.
• Substitute pearl barley with rice or another grain you already have.
• Opt for homemade vegetable broth for added savings and flavor.

Hearty Vegetable and Barley Soup is perfect for meal prepping and reheats beautifully, making it a practical and delicious choice for busy weeks.

Thank You For Reading!

If you have any thoughts or questions, I would love to hear from you.

Drop a comment or reach out directly, and I will get back to you.

• Website: Healthy Tool

• Email: kerri@healthytool.net

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Until next time,

Kerri