Vegetarian Bean and Barley Vegetable Soup Recipe

INGREDIENTS

1/2

large onion (diced)

to 3 cloves garlic (minced)

2 tbsp

oil (or vegan margarine)

ribs celery (diced)

medium-sized carrots (diced)

Optional: any other vegetables desired (about 1/2 cup each)

8 cups

water (or vegetable broth; you can also use half and half, or water with a vegetarian bouillon cube)

1 cup

pearled barley (uncooked)

1 cup

pinto beans (or white beans, cooked or canned)

1/3 cup

tomato paste (or crushed tomatoes)

1/4 tsp

salt

1/2

tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp

celery salt (optional but adds a nice flavor)

1/2

tsp. basil

1/2

tsp. oregano (or Italian spice mix)

1/2

tsp. thyme

Optional: 1 tsp. onion powder

large bay leaves

Optional: salt and pepper