Vegetable Barley Soup (Quick-Soak Style)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Pearled barley (quick-soak or quick-cooking)
• 3 cups Vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/2 medium Onion
• 1 medium Carrot
• 1 medium Celery stalk
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 cup Mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, corn, diced bell pepper)
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• to taste Salt(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (10 minutes): Dice the onion, carrot, and celery; mince the garlic. Measure the barley and mixed vegetables.

2. 2

   Cook (25 minutes): In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery for about 5 minutes, until slightly softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Add the barley and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the barley is tender.

4. 4

   Stir in the mixed vegetables and simmer for 5 minutes more. Finish with black pepper (and salt if needed) and serve.