Lentil And Barley Soup

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups broth
• 1 1/2 cups dried lentils
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup barley
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry or 1 cup chopped cooked greens
• freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Recipe

• 1 heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, then saute' the onions till they begin to soften.
• 2 add the celery, carrots, and garlic and saute' a few minutes more.
• 3 add the broth, tomatoes, lentils, red wine, and herbs. bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
• 4 add barley; simmer for 45 minutes more, stirring occasionally and adding water if needed.
• 5 add the greens and cook an additional 15 minutes.
• 6 serve topped with parmesan cheese, if desired.