One-pot hearty and comforting soup that’s packed with veggies, herbs and grains!
Barley Lentil Soup

Ingredients
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup sliced onion
1 cup sliced carrot
1 cup sliced celery
1 can (15 ounces) stewed or diced tomatoes, with juice
3 cups low-sodium broth, any type (see Notes)
3 cups water
1 cup dry lentils
⅔ cup pearl barley (see Notes)
½ teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
- In a large sauce pan or soup pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and stir for about 1 minute. Add garlic and stir for another minute.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a light simmer. Place a lid on the pan.
- Cook until the barley and lentils are tender, about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Serve hot.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Notes
- No broth? Use 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon dissolved in 1 cup water for each cup of broth.
- Use any fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables you have on hand.
- No basil, oregano or thyme? Try chopped cilantro.
- Pearl barley is high in fiber but is not a whole grain. If using whole grain barley (also called hulled barley), it may take longer for the barley to soften.
- This recipe can be made in a 5-quart or larger slow cooker for extra convenience. Put all ingredients except the oil into the cooker, cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours. If possible, cook on HIGH for 30 to 60 minutes, then turn to LOW for 7 to 8 hours.
You might also like...
Barley Summer Salad

Barley Summer Salad
Make-ahead fresh and flavorful salad that is hearty and filling.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Sikil Pak (Mayan Pumpkin Seed Dip)

Sikil Pak (Mayan Pumpkin Seed Dip)
Enjoy this Mayan-inspired dip with fresh veggies or whole-grain chips.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ cups
Microwave Fresh Vegetables

Microwave Fresh Vegetables
Steam-cooking fresh vegetables in the microwave is an easy way to make a healthy side dish for lunch or dinner in just minutes. The short cooking time preserves nutrients, color and flavor.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
High Protein Banana Split

High Protein Banana Split
A fun breakfast or snack recipe. Bananas topped with Greek yogurt, cereal, fruit, and honey.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 servings
Wheat Berry Salad

Wheat Berry Salad
Whole grains and fresh vegetables make this salad filling and satisfying.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Asparagus Mushroom Melt

Asparagus Mushroom Melt
English muffins topped with fresh veggies and cheese make this a flavorful meal or snack.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
8 muffin halves
Comments
I made this as directed, omitting salt. Fantastic. A keeper.
I made this soup for a tasting at a farmer's market and it got rave reviews. I also made it at home, and my adult son, who is a DIE HARD carnivore, loved it. It's great when I can sneak in a vegetarian meal that is so tasty and filling.
I made this barley lentil soup and added some quinoa and more veggies corn, potatoes, peas, green beans and zucchini. Delisioso!!!