Vegetable Soup (Coral Tree Cafe)

The Coral Tree Cafe offers "honest to goodness healthy and organic California-style cuisine in a casual indoor/outdoor atmosphere" located in and around Los Angeles, California. This is an adaptation of their popular vegetable soup. It is made with an assortment of vegetables, fresh thyme, and marinara sauce.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 10
• Yields: 2 1/2 quarts

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 2  cups onions, diced
• 2  cups carrots, diced
• 1⁄2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 3⁄4 cup pearl barley
• 1  quart vegetable broth
• 1 1⁄2 cups  prepared  marinara sauce
• 2  cups mushrooms, quartered
• 2  cups zucchini, diced
•  kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Heat a heavy bottomed pot over medium heat; add oil, onions, carrots, bell pepper, thyme, and barley.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to brown, about 18 minutes.
3. Stir in the vegetable broth and marinara sauce; cover and increase heat until mixture boils.
4. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and allow to cook until the barley is al dente, 6 to 8 minutes.
5. Stir in the mushrooms and zucchini; season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Cover and continue to simmer until mushrooms and zucchini are just tender, 4 to 6 minutes.
7. Remove from heat, add a little water to thin soup if it has become too thick; adjust seasonings and serve.