Tomato Barley Soup

I LOVE soup! This is one of my favorites. It has lots of vegetables and is full of flavor. I usually throw in some chopped cabbage. To make this a vegetarian recipe, use vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped onions


• 1 cup chopped celery


• 1 cup chopped carrots


• 2 teaspoons minced garlic


• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil


• 2 1/2 cups water


• 2 tomatoes, diced


• 1 (14.5 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes with juice


• 1 (10.75 ounce) can chicken broth


• 1/4 cup uncooked barley


• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the onions, celery, carrots, garlic and oil and saute for 5 to 10 minutes, or until all vegetables are almost tender.


2. Then add the water, fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, chicken broth, barley and ground black pepper.


3. Stir thoroughly and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, or until barley is tender.

Tomato Barley Soup