Easy Split Pea and Barley Stew

This is a very easy and wholesome recipe that I adapted from hillbillyhousewife.com. It is extremely economical and filling, as well as being healthy. I serve this with a small green side salad and a loaf of fresh or garlic bread.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 1  onion, chopped
• 3  stalks celery, sliced
• 4  carrots, chopped
• 1  cup  split peas
• 1⁄2 cup pearl barley
• 1 (400 g) can tomatoes
• 1⁄2 cup tomato puree or 1⁄2 cup ketchup
•  salt and pepper

Directions

1. Saute the onion in the oil until fragrant.
2. Add the celery and carrot. Continue to saute until the whole lot is beginning to soften and smell aromatic.
3. Tip in the barley and split peas. Add 8 cups of water, reduce heat, and allow to simmer for about 40 minutes or until the legumes and grains are beginning to become tender.
4. Add the tomatoes and puree. Stir and allow to simmer for another 20-30 minutes to allow flavours to meld. If it looks as if it is drying out, add a cup of water.
5. Season to taste before serving.