Italian Lentil and Barley Soup

Serves 12

Total time: 13 hrs 15 mins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 1/3 cup pearl barley
• 1 cup carrot – chopped
• 1 cup celery – chopped
• 1 cup onion – chopped
• 2 garlic cloves – minced
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp oregano – dried
• ¼ teaspoon thyme – dried
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 ½ cups broth
• 2 ½ cups water
• 14 ¼ oz Italian-style tomatoes
• or 14 ¼ oz regular stewed tomatoes
• or 14 ¼ oz crushed tomatoes

Optional:

• ¼ cup fresh parsley – finely chopped
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar

Directions:

1. Rinse lentils
2. Add crock pot:
1. Lentils
2. Barley
3. Carrots
4. Celery
5. Onion
6. Garlic
7. Dried herbs
8. Bay leaf.
9. Broth
10. Water
11. Tomatoes
3. Cook on low for 12-14 hours
1. Or on high for 5-6 hours
4. **Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving**
5. Before serving stir in parsley and vinegar

Variation: 

Add more tomatoes, less broth, and add some spinach near the end. Use hulled barley if you can find it.