Vegetarian "hamburger" Soup

Another hearty and delicious soup, perfect for winter. This was one of my favorites before I became vegetarian, and I missed it enough that I tried to replicate the beefy flavor. This is now again one of my favorites.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 2-4

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1⁄2 small onion, chopped fine
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1  celery rib, chopped
• 20  baby carrots, sliced
• 2  cups  boxed vegetable broth (e.g. Whole Foods brand)
• 1  cup water
• 1 -2  plum tomato, seeded and chopped
• 1⁄3 cup barley, rinsed
• 1⁄2 cup vegetarian ground beef, pre-cooked
• 1⁄2-1  teaspoon tamari (or soy sauce)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1  bay leaf
•  black pepper

Directions

1. Saute onion in olive oil in a large saucepan until soft. Add garlic, celery, and carrot and saute for another 5 minutes.
2. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes, or until barley is tender and serve.