Barley and Lentil Soup

ratherbeswimmin''s Note:

Another family favorite.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins
• Prep Time: 35 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 50 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 4 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 8 sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 6 (14 1/2 ounce) cans beef broth (ready to serve)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 cup dried lentils
• salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, add oil and heat over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions and garlic; saute onions for 10 minutes or until clear.
3. Add next 6 ingredients.
4. Cook until red bell pepper is just softened, stirring occasionally.
5. Add 5 cans of broth, tomatoes, and tomato paste.
6. Bring to a boil.
7. Stir in barley and lentils.
8. Lower heat and simmer about 1 1/2 hours or until barley and lentils are tender; stirring occasionally.
9. Add more broth to reach desired consistency.
10. Add salt and pepper to taste.
11. Ladle into soup bowls and sprinkle with parsley.

Reviews

[cydney]

I tried this soup out on my family, not really sure what kind of reaction I would get. We all need our cages rattled every now and again. They thought it was delicious and so did I. I went ahead and used the whole 6 oz. can of tomato paste and it gave the soup a stronger tomato flavor which we liked. It may have added to the thickness but we tend to like thicker soups as opposed to thin. This is a very hearty soup with well-balanced flavors that we will enjoy year round. Thanks Nurse Di.

[Cassowary]

This recipe is delicious and was a loved even by my fussy eater. Reading the reviews first I decided on putting in 1/2 a bottle of beer and I opted out of using celery, I also didnt use as much stock either and I served it on top of mashed potato and sweet potato...yummo!

[Chef #836708]

This soup, as another reviewer mentioned, is a great starting point for creativity and flexibility! I didn't have sundried tomatoes (I am sure it would be even better!) and used a yellow pepper and only 1 onion. I used vegetable broth to make this vegan, and use 1 big can diced roasted tomatoes instead of the crushed. And... completely omitted the tom paste because I didn't want to open a can for only 2 Tbs. I added a bunch of fresh spinach at the end. This may be the last cool day before spring and I'm glad I tried this yummy soup! Thanks!