Warm up with this nourishing vegetable and barley soup, perfect for any day of the week. It’s loaded with wholesome ingredients and is a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup barley
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrot, celery, and onion. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add Barley and Broth: Add the diced tomatoes, barley, vegetable broth, thyme, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
3. Incorporate Greens: Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until wilted.
4. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, and enjoy the hearty goodness of this nourishing soup!

This vegetable and barley soup is not only filling but also a great way to boost your veggie intake. Perfect for meal prep, it stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!