Grandmas Bean and Barley Soup (Nigella Lawson) (Vegan)

this soup is awesome, its in kiddies section of nigella feast, starchy sweetly comforting and give you a big hug. It makes you feel better when your ill and can be made into other things with leftovers, the only change I have made from nigellas recipe is to use veg stock. Now this soup my way is vegan and very good for you however it can be transformed into naughty meaty very easily. EG: add chopped extra crispy bacon on top or stirred in = gorgous and filling tea. Leave it thick add some rosemary and serve as a side to roast lamb. My husband put bacon on his tonight. the leftovers will tommorow provide a base for a chicken stew for the husband, add some wine/ lemon juice chicken etc. ill post recipe for that tommorow after ive made it. its all about being economical at the mo with credit crunch. i should know im a debt counsellor for a national charity- did i mention this recipe is actually very cheap? oh yeah i dont add parsley cos my husband doesnt like it oh and i season mine with plenty of pepper