Mother Wolff Soup

This comes from Sundays at The Moosewood Restaurant. It sounds like the ultimate comfort food! Times are a guess as I have no made this yet. I am waiting for cold weather! My estimate does not include time to soak beans. This soup takes time to cook so wait till a day when you will be home for several hours.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 10 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 4  quarts water
• 1⁄2 cup dried lima beans, soaked overnight in water to cover or 1⁄2 cup dried lima beans, brought to a boil and then soaked for 1 hour
• 1⁄2 cup  uncooked rice or 1  cup cooked rice
• 1⁄2 cup barley
• 3 -4  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  tablespoon dill weed
• 1  bay leaf
• 1  cup celery, chopped
• 2  tablespoons  vegetable oil
• 1  tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1  cup potato, diced
• 1  cup sweet potatoes, diced sliced or 1  cup carrot, sliced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
•  ground black pepper
• 1  cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
•  tomato sauce
• 1⁄4 cup parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine the first 8 ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours, adding more water if needed as the barley, uncooked rice and beans absorb water.
2. In a large skillet, saute the onions and celery in the oil for a few minutes. Add the paprika. Add the potatoes, sweet potatoes or carrots, salt and pepper. Cover and cook for a few minutes, stirring often. Add the green beans and continue to simmer, covered, until vegetables are just tender. Set them aside.
3. Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Add the sauteed vegetables, the tomatoes, parsley (if using) and more salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer covered, on very low heat for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Ladle out generous servings and enjoy!